James Fisher Renewables has completed the first phase of unexploded ordnance (UXO) identification at the Sofia offshore wind project in the UK.
The near shore phase is part of a two-phase contract to investigate UXO and potential archaeological features ahead of the installation of export cables for RWE’s Sofia project, located off the north-east coast of the UK.
During September and October 2021, James Fisher Renewables investigated 35 near shore targets to assess the need for disposal.
Observation and work-class remotely operated underwater vehicles were successfully launched from a small vessel to facilitate a diver-less operation, delivering reduced risk, increased accuracy and improved efficiency.
From May 2022 onwards, up to 125 deep water targets will be investigated using the same proven approach.
Any confirmed UXO targets will be removed using an “innovative low order” disposal technique to minimise the noise from the removal and therefore also reduce the risk of harm to marine mammals and sea life.
Wayne Mulhall, managing director at James Fisher Renewables, said: “Following a thorough investigation of this particular route, we successfully confirmed all scoped targets as non-UXO.
“Our expertise gained from performing more than 3,000 UXO investigations around the globe enabled us to identify additional targets requiring survey, helping us to ensure phase one of the work was completed to the highest standard with the greatest regard for safety for all those involved. We look forward to completing phase two during 2022.”
Sofia, located on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, is set to become one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms.