Fugro has been awarded a major geotechnical survey contract by SSE for the Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm in the North Sea.
The 1.4GW Berwick Bank B is the second phase of the wider Berwick Bank project, which is targeting 4.1GW of offshore wind capacity across three phases.
Fugro said Berwick Bank could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm if built to its full capacity, with enough clean electricity to power more than six million UK homes annually.
The project, located off Scotland’s east coast, could add up to £8.3bn to the UK economy and support more than 9,000 jobs, according to Fugro.
Berwick Bank B secured a long-term Contract for Difference through the UK’s Allocation Round 7 in January.
Fugro is carrying out a full geotechnical investigation to support the design of fixed-bottom turbines planned at the Berwick Bank B site.
The company is drilling boreholes to depths of up to 50 metres below the seabed to collect soil and rock samples.
Fugro said the samples will provide the Geo-data needed to design safe and efficient foundations for the turbines.
The work is being delivered by Fugro’s geotechnical vessels Fugro Quest and Fugro Zenith, using specialist coring and conventional sampling techniques.
Fugro said the methods are suited to the site’s complex ground conditions and will help reduce construction risk.
SSE Renewables geotechnical package manager for Berwick Bank Gordon Rae said: “The commencement of a geotechnical investigation campaign to inform the final design of Berwick Bank B’s turbine foundations is an important milestone and demonstrates our commitment at SSE to disciplined and derisked project delivery.
“As we progress the project towards the final investment decision (FID), we are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Fugro and look forward to delivering a safe and successful geotechnical investigation programme at Berwick Bank B.”
Fugro director for marine site characterisation in Europe and Africa Remmelt de Jong said: “This award reflects the confidence SSE has in Fugro’s geotechnical expertise and builds on our established partnership supporting the Berwick Bank project.
“Our advanced coring capabilities and strong offshore track record will support safe and efficient foundation design.
“We’re proud to continue working with SSE on one of the world’s most significant offshore wind developments.”
Fugro said the new work builds on its ongoing involvement at Berwick Bank, where it has been delivering surveys since 2019.