Fugro starts Triton tour

Fugro GB Marine is to start a programme of seabed and sub-seafloor investigations for Innogy’s 860MW Triton Knoll offshore wind farm off the UK east coast.

Under the terms of the £3m contract, Fugro will operate three vessels out of the Humber region, supported by technical teams from the company’s Wallingford headquarters. 

The geophysical and geotechnical investigations will involve mapping and testing the seafloor and sub-seafloor conditions.

Fugro will also carry out borehole testing up to a depth of 50 metres at the locations of the 90 turbines and two offshore substations.

It will also look at conditions at the export and inter-array cable locations.

Local company PMSL will also provide guard vessel services during the work.

Triton Knoll principal geotechnical engineer Andy Barwise said: “We’re delighted to be taking our first steps into UK waters so soon after our successful CfD (Contract for Difference) bid, and very pleased to have Fugro at helm of this important stage of the project.

“This programme of site investigations will aid our detailed design work, and marks a critical stage in our preparations for offshore construction, currently expected to begin in 2020.” 

Barwise added that the surveys will be key to the production and installation of the 90 monopile foundations, currently being designed by UK firm Atkins on behalf of main contractor Smulders Sif Steel Foundations.

Fugro global product manager for renewables Tony Hodgson said: “We are pleased to be involved in this strategically important project.

“Our delivery of accurate, reliable data will not only support innogy’s decisions in the development process but will help to ensure the long-term, safe operational performance of this facility.”

Triton Knoll was awarded a CfD in September 2017 and is now progressing towards a financial investment decision, which is likely in 2018.

Onshore construction would start shortly after, with offshore construction kicking off in 2020. 

First power from the project could be as early as the first quarter of 2021.

Image: Innogy