Ailes Marines has resumed foundation work at the 496MW Saint-Brieuc offshore wind project after establishing a technical problem with a drill did not lead to pollution in waters off north-west France.
The Iberdrola-owned developer said it is restarting the operation with the agreement of the Maritime Prefecture.
Van Oord jack-up Aeolus halted drilling last week after a technical problem was observed on one of the ship’s three drills, where hydraulic fluid was observed on deck and in the marine environment during the drill’s ascent.
Ailes Marines said it conducted several helicopter overflights of the area and nautical patrols following the incident.
It also organised aerial surveillance. “At the end of these aerial missions, the crews observed no presence of iridescence or slicks in the marine environment,” said the company.
“Speed and quality of deployed actions made it possible to contain the incident.”
Ailes Marines has introduced “new enhanced” procedures and tools for environmental safety, it added.
The incident was the second time drilling has been stopped on the wind farm. Van Oord paused work in June after Aeolus encountered a “technical problem” resulting in a leak of about 100 litres of biodegradable hydraulic fluid.