Abstract
This report documents the operational and environmental monitoring activities of the Belwind Phase 1 offshore wind farm during 2012. The facility, consisting of 55 3MW wind turbines and located 46 km offshore of Zeebrugge in the Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone, completed its second full year of operation. The report details compliance with environmental permit conditions, including navigation safety measures, physical environmental monitoring, and maintenance activities. While no major construction occurred in 2012, preparations began for a demonstration project to install one 6MW Alstom Haliade turbine. The wind farm maintained high technical availability throughout the year, though experienced slightly below-expected wind resources. Regular environmental monitoring continued, focusing primarily on scour protection and seabed conditions around the foundations. The report also documents the facility's compliance with maritime safety requirements and vessel management protocols.