The German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has announced that in future it will no longer be necessary to periodically renew the yellow full-surface paint covering the substructures of offshore wind turbines.
The agency considers the requirements for the initial coating to be sufficient to comply with international recommendations and standards. The markings are intended to increase maritime safety. Generally, all offshore installations had until now been required to undergo inspections for damage to the paint coat and compliance with colorimetric requirements in accordance with the specifications of the Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping (GDWS). Non-compliance with these specifications would result in mandatory repainting of the substructures concerned. The anticipated costs for required repainting of existing offshore wind turbines in Germany were estimated at up to € 400 million.