Seabed surveys have started at the Lillebælt Syd offshore wind project with a large survey vessel collecting data on water depth and physical conditions of the seabed, which will soon be joined by two smaller vessels.
The 165MW offshore wind project in Denmark is being developed by TotalEnergies (72.25%), European Energy (15%), and SONFOR (12.75%).
Using advanced 3D technology, the vessels will measure the seabed, identify large rocks and detect old unexploded ordnance etc.
This important data collection will be used for the further design process and construction of the wind farm, European Energy said.
Zhanar Dreisig, asset manager at TotalEnergies Offshore Wind, said: “I’m pleased to see the geophysical operations launched now for Lillebælt Syd.
“The vessels will carry out geophysical surveys that are crucial for the development of the offshore wind farm and our goal of being able to produce electricity in the Lillebælt area from 2029.”
The seabed surveys in Lillebælt are expected to last until the end of July 2025, and particularly the largest of the three vessels will be visible from the coast during that time.
Andreas Karhula Lauridsen, vice president and head of offshore wind at European Energy, added: “Geophysical surveys give us insight into the structure of the seabed and ensure that we can plan the construction of wind turbine foundations and the installation of subsea cables with the highest precision and minimal impact on the marine environment.”
With a capacity of 165 MW, the Lillebælt Syd offshore wind farm will be able to supply more than 148,000 households in 2029, when the farm is expected to be in operation. This is a significant contribution to Sønderborg Municipality’s climate ambition ProjectZero.