UK outfit Ordtek is providing unexploded ordnance (UXO) risk management advice ahead of construction of Innogy’s 860MW Triton Knoll offshore wind farm off the east coast of England.
Ordtek has already provided desk-based research for the project, including studying the military history of the area for naval conflicts, aerial bombing and munitions dumping sites.
It has also completed a geophysical data interpretation of the seabed at the 145km-square site to identify the targets that have the greatest probability of being UXO.
These targets will be investigated and cleared by James Fisher Marine Services, with Ordtek providing consultancy services.
Ordtek director Lee Gooderham said: “This is an extremely complex project as the area we are investigating is a site bigger than the city of Manchester.
“Together with Triton Knoll we are using the latest techniques and expertise to identify any obstructions on the seabed which have the potential to be wartime UXO and allow the construction to be planned to avoid or mitigate these threats.”
Ordtek previously worked with Innogy on the Galloper offshore wind farm (pictured).
Gooderham said: “We are really pleased to be working with Innogy again. Its commitment to investigating, identifying and disposing of these potential risks shows extreme diligence.
“It is another example of how our expertise can be used to support renewable energy developers in the safe and efficient construction of offshore wind farms.”
Triton Knoll and Innogy project director Julian Garnsey said: “I’m very pleased to be able to welcome Ordtek on to the Triton Knoll project, as we continue to gear up for offshore construction in early 2020.
“Successful offshore site clearance is very important to our being able to deliver this nationally significant infrastructure project safely, and on time.
“It’s therefore great to see that a regional company is at the heart of this work and able to demonstrate the kind of expertise that makes the UK a world leader in offshore wind delivery.”
Triton Knoll will feature 90 MHI Vestas 9.5MW turbines and is due online in 2021.