Why are offshore survey works important for the construction of windfarms?
As a responsible and experienced offshore wind developer, RWE is continuing to invest in offshore surveying works to ensure the design and construction of the Dublin Array Windfarm is carried out to the highest engineering standards with a conscientious approach towards the receiving environment.
Similar to any construction project undertaken, it is of vital importance to fully understand and analyse the characteristics of any potential works area, this is no different for the development & construction of an offshore windfarm.
What did we want to achieve?
The objective of this offshore surveying campaign was to capture key elements of information and data in order for the Dublin Array project team to better design key elements of the windfarm.
Three elements of works were completed:
- Nearshore geotechnical site investigation
- Shallow geotechnical site investigations
- High resolution geophysical survey of the Dublin Array site
The strategic co-ordination required to allow these three specialist and distinct survey activities to be carried out concurrently over the summer months of 2024 required a high level of professionalism and expertise from all those involved.
Site Invesigation (SI) Package Manager RWE
“From a personal perspective this was a very exciting offshore survey campaign to be a part of. As the Site Investigation Package Manager my role was to ensure all work was performed safely, in accordance with legislation and to the highest standards expected by RWE. It was a real pleasure to be supported by a highly competent RWE team alongside professional and diligent contractors.
These successful campaigns are fundamental to further develop our understanding of this highly complex site to inform the full lifecycle of the project. Understanding the variability of the surface and sub-surface geology is vital in order to de-risk the development, engineering design, construction and operational phases of the project.”
NEARSHORE GEOTECHNICAL SITE INVESTIGATIONS
(Lankelma)
RWE worked very closely with Lankelma to complete a nearshore geotechnical site investigation. Lankelma utilised specialist nearshore assets to acquire a number of samples of the sub-seabed to characterise the export cable route landfall. The samples collected were further tested in accredited laboratories to understand their geotechnical properties.
Managing Director Lankelma
“Lankelma was thrilled to support RWE during the ground investigation phase of the Dublin Array Windfarm. The geotechnical scope was carried out using Lankelma’s Sandpiper Jack-up Platform, equipped with a rotary drill rig, packer testing and downhole geophysics array, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. The results provided essential data for developing the landfall aspect of the infrastructure.
The successful completion of this project marks another significant milestone for Lankelma, reinforcing its status as a trusted partner for RWE and further cementing our reputation for delivering top-tier ground investigation services on large-scale, complex projects.”
SHALLOW GEOTECHNICAL SITE INVESTIGATIONS
(CMS Geoscience)
CMS Geoscience were appointed to complete the shallow geotechnical site investigations of the export cable corridor. CMS Geoscience utilised their high-powered vibrocore system to acquire a number of samples of the sub-seabed to characterise the export cable route. Similar to the samples collected by Lankelma further testing took place at accredited laboratories to understand their geotechnical properties.
Senior Executive Officer CMS Geoscience (CMSG)
“CMSG were delighted to have been awarded this project by RWE and be given the opportunity to support the development of this important piece of energy infrastructure for Ireland. Geotechnical site investigations have such a critical role to play in determining the
seabed integrity and composition at the design stage of offshore wind farm developments.
CMSG is ideally placed to provide reliable and accurate data to assist in these early stages of construction as we work together to drive Offshore Wind forward and improve our energy
effciency. I am so proud of the whole team for the impressive results they achieved and the professionalism they displayed throughout the project.”
HIGH RESOLUTION GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY
(Fugro)
Appointed contractor Fugro successfully undertook a full site high resolution geophysical survey of the Dublin Array site. Fugro utilised innovative technology to ensure the highest quality data was acquired. Advanced processing techniques are utilised so that the final product is ready for interpretation as part of detail design for the Dublin Array windfarm.
Project Manager Fugro
“Fugro are proud to have successfully completed the high resolution geophysical acquisition on the RWE Dublin Array project, which stands as a testament to the expertise of the offshore and shore-based teams involved. This achievement underscores Fugro’s commitment to delivering high-quality solutions in collaboration with RWE.”
Dublin Array Project Director
“The successful completion of the 2024 offshore survey campaign is a testament to RWE’s continued commitment to delivering offshore wind in Ireland. Dublin Array Offshore Windfarm is a nationally significant infrastructure project due to be operational by the end of 2030 and these survey works are another step towards the ultimate goal of successful project delivery.”
“Competency, expertise & professionalism have been displayed in abundance by both the Dublin Array project team and our appointed contractors in order to reach this significant milestone. In recognition of such, I would personally like to take this opportunity to extend my
appreciation to all those involved in delivering these critical survey works. I would also like to extend my thanks to the local commercial fishing industry, whose cooperation has ensured an effective survey campaign.’’
Next Steps!
All data accumulated over the 2024 survey campaign will be assessed in order to inform key decisions associated with project design. The project team will continue to inform the decision making process with evidence based solutions as we progress towards the commencement of construction in 2027.
