Offshore Construction Start

North Falls’ offshore construction is planned to commence in the fourth year of the project’s overall construction programme. The Environmental Statement Non‑Technical Summary explains that the total construction period is anticipated to last around five years, with onshore construction beginning in Year 1 and offshore construction in Year 4. It further notes that offshore construction works are expected to run for approximately two years, covering installation of offshore substations, export and array cables, turbine foundations, and turbines themselves, followed by commissioning of the offshore infrastructure. Offshore works are assumed to be undertaken on a 24/7 basis to make efficient use of weather and vessel availability. In the same documentation, North Falls sets out that pre‑construction works onshore are expected to start from 2027 and that the onshore construction programme, including pre‑construction and demobilisation, will span up to five years. The project’s FAQ reiterates that pre‑construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with an aim for the project to be operational by 2030. Aligning Year 1 of the five‑year programme with 2027 implies that Year 4, when offshore construction is scheduled to start, corresponds to calendar year 2030. Earlier planning material referenced by the Planning Inspectorate had indicated a potential phasing with onshore activity commencing in 2026 and offshore activity in 2028, but the more recent Environmental Statement and FAQ reflect a later, updated schedule. The offshore construction start therefore remains a planned, indicative milestone contingent on consent, detailed design, and supply‑chain arrangements.