Multi-Use Offshore Platforms towards implementing Blue Growth strategy, Energy 2020 strategy and the marine strategy framework directive: a rapid impact assessment on four key european sites

Abstract

The scope of this thesis is the identification of the basic arms, in European level, of the Multi-Use Offshore Platforms (MUOPs) and of the profiling of four distinctive sites in case of implementation of such large-scale projects. The MUOPs constitute an innovative concept, promoted by the European Union, in order to respond to global challenges. The main target of the design of these platforms is to exploit, in a sustainable way, the potential of European seas, coasts and ocean. Large-scale investments, like MUOPs, have various effects both in economy and society. In order to achieve the ambitious goal of operating together wind energy production, wave energy production, extended aquaculture activities along with transportation activities, it is crucial to identify whether the investment has positive impact on society and the goal of sustainability is possible to be achieved. The research followed the concept of the ongoing large-scale EU granted project under the Seventh Framework Program (FP7), abbreviated to “MERMAID”.