Rampion Wind Farm and approaches to Shoreham
The expansion of offshore wind generation along the East and South Coasts continues, and the English Channel is now firmly part of this development. Rampion Wind Farm, located off Shoreham, has been fully operational for several years, and ongoing maintenance activity means mariners should remain alert when navigating in its vicinity.
A Notice to Mariners was issued on 15th December 2015 giving the co-ordinates of Cardinal Marks which surround the area concerned and which are shown on the large scale chart below :
A previous proposal for a second wind farm southeast of Swanage was refused planning permission, and as of 2026 there are no new applications in progress. Nevertheless, the Channel remains a likely candidate for future offshore energy projects, so skippers should monitor Notices to Mariners for updates.
Navigational marks and charting
The original Notice to Mariners issued on 15 December 2015 established the cardinal marks surrounding the Rampion site. These marks remain in place and are shown on current Admiralty charts and updated electronic chart systems. Mariners should ensure their charting, paper and digital, is fully updated for 2026, as the area has undergone several revisions since construction began.
Maintenance activity and work zones
Although the main construction phase is complete, Rampion continues to host regular maintenance operations.
Mariners should expect:
- Service vessels transiting at speed between Shoreham and the turbine field.
- Temporary lit and unlit buoys marking work zones or cable-related activity.
- Occasional exclusion advisories issued via local Notices to Mariners.
A first-hand report passed to us described a yacht nearly entering the work area at night while heading west toward the Looe Channel off Selsey Bill. The skipper was warned off by VHF. An important reminder that activity here can be dynamic and temporary marks may be difficult to identify in darkness or poor visibility.
Transiting the windfarm
Once construction was completed, there has been no prohibition on transiting through the windfarm. Yachts and motor vessels may pass through the array legally and without restriction. However, during active maintenance operations it is prudent to avoid the immediate work zones.
Yachts tacking into a south-westerly may find themselves constrained by service-vessel movements, while vessels under engine will generally be less affected but should still maintain a sharp lookout.
Passage planning for local ports
Vessels approaching or departing Littlehampton, Shoreham, or Brighton Marina should plan their track with the windfarm in mind. Approaches from the east or west may require modest adjustments to avoid maintenance craft or temporary buoys.
Note the windfarm intersects a direct course between the Solent and the Royal Sovereign.
2026 skipper guidance
- Ensure charts, both paper and electronic, are fully updated.
- Monitor Shoreham Port Notices to Mariners and Rampion operational updates.
- Maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch. 16 and any working channels broadcast in NTMs.
- Avoid entering active work zones, especially at night or in reduced visibility.
- Expect service-vessel traffic at all hours.