Can the storage of ORE components in ports promote the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species?

Several types of offshore renewable energy (ORE) farm components are built, stored and maintained in ports (e.g. gravity foundations, floats) before being transported to their area of operation. Certain components are then brought back to port for maintenance. As ports are international shipping hubs, they are colonised by non-indigenous species. These organisms could colonise turbine components, which constitute bare substrates. During the transportation and installation of these components in the environment, species attached to their surface could be dispersed in the environment.

The experts recommand a quick transport of ORE components on site to reduce exposure time to nonindigenous species more commonly present in areas close to ports and on the shoreline. The experts also advise to implement a protocol for monitoring turbine foundations or floats in order to observe and report the development of non-indigenous species.