Fugro is to commence a geophysical survey of the Awel y Mor offshore wind site off the north coast of Wales in the Irish Sea.
Fugro’s Mercator vessel will carry out the survey from 15 June 2020 for six to eight weeks, using acoustic methods to investigate the characteristics of the seabed within the proposed Awel y Mor offshore wind farm array.
The start and finish dates will be dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and work progress, said the company.
Fugro Mercator will conduct survey operations on a 24 hour basis and will operate out of Liverpool.
Innogy is developing Awel y Mor as an extension to the operational Gwynt y Mor offshore wind farm.
Awel y Mor is in the early stages and will be operational by 2030.
The project is located to the west of Gwynt y Mor, approximately 10.5km off the coast of Wales, with a maximum total area of 106 km sq.
The exact size and capacity of the project is still to be determined while Innogy undertakes the “necessary development and consenting activities”.
Mercator will be towing survey equipment, which requires large turning circles.
All vessels operating within this area are requested to maintaining a 1000 metre safety zone around the survey vessel at least and pass at minimum speed to reduce vessel wash.