Page 7: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Jul/Aug 2024)

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gainst the backdrop of a grow- ing public demand for clean, renewable energy, offshore wind

A power has emerged as an attrac- tive component of the global energy tran- sition. While the promise of wind energy is compelling, careful and deliberate man- agement is necessary to protect people and the environment. Addressing this critical challenge requires a robust framework to guide the safe development and operation of offshore wind projects.

In response to this need, the American Pe- troleum Institute (API) recently released the frst edition of API Recommended Practice 75W, “Safety and Environmental Manage- ment System for Offshore Wind Operations and Assets” (API RP 75W). This landmark standard leverages API’s extensive experience with offshore oil and natural gas develop- ment to provide a comprehensive framework for safety and environmental integrity in off- shore wind operations.

From lease evaluation to decommission- ing, API RP 75W’s goal is to prevent inci- dents by establishing robust procedures and protocols, advancing the highest standards of safety and environmental integrity in off- shore wind operations.

Expert Guidance

The development of API RP 75W was driven by the proliferation of offshore wind operations. According to a 2023 Depart- ment of Energy report, the U.S. offshore wind energy pipeline grew 15% from 2022, with 13 coastal states having announced

Advancing Safety and Environmental plans to procure massive amounts of off- shore wind over the coming decades. Given this rapid expansion, in 2022, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement,

Integrity in Offshore Wind Operations which oversees and regulates offshore en- ergy operations on the U.S. Outer Conti-

JULY/AUGUST 2024 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 7