The UK government has extended by one year immigration rules concerning seafarers joining vessels involved in the offshore wind industry.

The concession will now run until 21 October 2018, having been due to end on that date this year.

It allows the employment of non-European Economic Area nationals who are joining vessels engaged in the construction and maintenance of offshore wind projects in UK territorial waters. 

Several organisations, including the Offshore Marine Management and International Marine Contractors Association, had previously called for a longer-term solution to the issue. 

Image: reNEWS