Fraunhofer IWES and Fugro have completed the geophysical site characterisation of the 1GW N-9.5 area in the German North Sea for the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
The partners said the work recorded both sub-bottom profiler and ultra-high-resolution multichannel seismic data to resolve different depth ranges below the seabed.
The sub-bottom profiler delivers high-resolution images of sediments and geological structures down to 15 metres, while the seismic dataset maps larger sediment bodies and structures down to 200 metres.
After integrating the datasets, a preliminary interpretation of subsoil conditions was produced.
“As part of the central preliminary site investigation, the preliminary interpretation provides us with a valuable planning basis for the preliminary geotechnical investigation and forms the starting point for the development of an engineering geological model,” said Marcel Ruhnau, coordinator of geophysical site investigation at the BSH.
He said the dataset will also support later geotechnical work and reduce construction risks for the planned offshore wind farm.
“It is vital that OWF developers and their engineers are provided with precise geological information to enable them to make informed decisions and plan accordingly,” added Fugro project manager Manfred Stender.
“This will ultimately reduce costly project delays and contribute to the development of the wind farm.”
According to the site development plan of 30 January 2025, the 146km2 N-9.5 area is planned to add 1GW to the German offshore grid.
Fugro served as main contractor, providing the Fugro Discovery vessel and handling acquisition, processing and interpretation of the sub-bottom profiler data.
Fraunhofer IWES, acting as subcontractor, acquired, processed and interpreted the seismic dataset with personnel support from Jesley Geoservices.
“The successful completion of this project marks our eight consecutive years of conducting an UHR MCS campaign for the BSH in the German North Sea,” stated Tim Burmeister, project manager at Fraunhofer IWES.
“We have been working with Fugro on preliminary geophysical site investigations of offshore wind farm planning areas for six years now. Thanks to our long-standing partnership with Fugro, we have a deep understanding of our shared goals and processes.”
He said the institute’s support for wind farm pre-investigation projects contributes to the implementation of Germany’s energy transition.