Fugro has completed a geotechnical site investigation for Phase 2 of SSE Renewables’ 800MW Arklow Bank offshore wind project off the coast of Ireland.
The data collected will be used to better understand the site’s subsurface conditions and support foundation designs and installation.
The engineering firm said it developed a bespoke casing system designed for the offshore site conditions to enable survey work to be completed with minimal downtime.
Lab testing is now underway, building on the site testing completed in Fugro’s offshore laboratory, allowing all acquired samples to be analysed efficiently.
SSE Renewables project manager John O’Sullivan said: “The successful completion of this ground investigation campaign is another key milestone for the Arklow project.
“It has enabled us to gain a much clearer understanding of the seabed conditions within the lease area.
“This enhanced site characterisation greatly supports our ongoing design development works in the lead up to the first offshore energy auction.”
DEME’s Neptune offshore installation vessel was chartered to enable the site investigation.
The firm’s renewables business director Lucien Romagnoli said the vessel “performed very well on a challenging site”.
Fugro service line director of site investigations Matthew Chappell added: “By working closely and collaboratively with SSE Renewables and DEME, who provided the Neptune liveaboard jack-up barge, we were able to deliver the perfect solution for the Arklow Bank Wind Park site investigation.
“Our experience in marine operations and geotechnical surveys allowed us to develop an innovative solution for the site conditions and is certainly something we’re proud of.
“Our geo-data will not only reduce project risk and uncertainties but will help inform future developmental phases of the project.”