The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has appointed ABL Group company OWC to support geophysical and geotechnical surveys at two offshore wind farm areas in Portugal.
IPMA is leading survey work over the Leixões and Figueira da Foz sites from the country’s Allocation Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (PAER).
OWC will provide specialist geophysical and geotechnical client representatives to oversee the surveys, supported by Portugal-based consultancy Hidromod, also part of ABL Group.
The firms will ensure high HSE standards, quality control, and full delivery of IPMA’s technical requirements.
“We are pleased that IPMA has chosen OWC’s technical and operational expertise to support these nationally significant renewable projects,” said Tom Gray, subsurface director and global client representative service line lead at OWC.
The geophysical survey scope includes multibeam echosounder, side scan sonar, towed magnetometer, sub-bottom profiler, and 2D ultra-high-resolution seismic data. Geotechnical work will involve seabed grab samples, vibrocores, and cone penetration tests.
“This project allows us to combine our local site and industry knowledge with OWC’s strong global track record,” said José Chambel Leitão, founder and managing director of Hidromod.
IPMA began the survey campaign in April, with OWC and Hidromod joining in September. Work is scheduled to continue into November.
The Leixões and Figueira da Foz areas form part of Portugal’s Maritime Spatial Planning Situation Plan (PSOEM) and PAER, key frameworks for achieving national carbon neutrality by 2050 under the REPowerEU Plan.
“These are important wind farm areas for the development of offshore renewable energy in Portugal,” said Ana Pirrone, OWC’s country manager for Portugal and Spain. “To play a small part in the early stages of these potential projects is both rewarding and exciting for our local team.”