Global Maritime’s geosciences department GM Geo has launched a geological, geohazard and geotechnical desktop study covering an area of search with a focus on the upcoming Crown Estate floating wind leasing round in the Celtic Sea.
The study provides information for developers seeking to identify preferential areas in the Celtic Sea to submit to the leasing process.
It investigates seabed conditions across the area of search, identifying principal strata and the suitability/risk implications for the development of floating offshore wind farms, while subdividing the area of search into provinces of similar geological and geotechnical conditions to be considered in the development and engineering process.
Qualitative assessments of risk for different subsea infrastructure are made, and outline risk mitigations are also provided.
The study also considers the implications of existing marine traffic, seabed wrecks, infrastructure, environmental designations and other marine uses on the siting and development of offshore wind projects.
GM Geo global business lead geosciences Gareth Ellery said: “Our team has collectively performed hundreds of desktop studies of this nature and so we understand our clients’ needs well.
“Being proactive in this manner means that our clients can have access to high quality seabed intelligence to inform their leasing approach in the upcoming Crown Estate process, whilst saving huge amounts of time and expense in the conventional RfP procurement process.”
GM Geo geophysical lead Michele Martins: “The upcoming floating wind lease in the Celtic Sea is exciting and presents great opportunity, but there is a significant degree of variability in geological conditions and some substantial risks which must be carefully considered by the developers hoping for a successful outcome to the lease process.
“Our study gives our clients the insight to make that possible.”