UK outfit Wessex Archaeology Ventures has launched a European subsidiary called Trident Archaologie that will provide marine archaeological services to offshore wind developers working in the Baltic and North Seas.
Trident Archaologie is based in Rostock in Germany and will be headed up by directors Paul Baggaley and Paul Sealey.
The new unit will also benefit from the technical expertise and experience of Wessex Archaeology’s large multi-disciplinary team, which has many years’ experience in offshore energy projects.
“The company’s targeted, data-driven approach will ensure that archaeological analysis required by regional planning authorities for offshore renewable schemes are accurately and efficiently undertaken in the timeframe required, to ensure smooth and rapid progress through the planning system,” Trident Archaologie said.
Baggaley said: “We’re very excited to launch our newest venture into the growing European offshore market.
“The North Sea is familiar ground for us, having supplied services to 90% of the UK’s offshore wind farms over the past 15 years.
“Our clients will benefit from this huge body of experience, and we’re looking forward to helping developments move smoothly through the planning process, managing requirements set by state archaeologists and making sure that any archaeological works are planned from the start to minimise impact on project timelines.”
Trident Archaologie manager Ralph Behr said: “We are pleased to be able to continue to build on our existing experience and relationships in the European offshore market.
“We’ve identified the growing need for professional archaeological services which add value to client schemes, and Trident Archaologie will provide access to the expertise and capacity they need to meet the restrictions and opportunities presented by the current offshore wind development programme.”