RWE and Masdar have awarded Ocean Infinity the contract to conduct 3D Ultra High Resolution seismic geophysical surveys at the Dogger Bank South (DBS) West offshore wind farm in the UK.
Ocean Infinity will utilise its marine technology expertise to survey the subsea terrain at each of the proposed wind turbine foundation sites at DBS West.
The surveys will be carried out by the vessel Deep Helder, starting in early June 2024. They are expected to last around 30 days, subject to weather conditions.
The company said it will employ high-definition survey techniques to scan the seafloor and subsea bottom, delivering high-resolution 3D geological data for each proposed wind turbine site.
This investigation will identify seafloor changes, map the extent, orientation and tilt of sedimentary units, as well as locate boulders, across the entire wind turbine foundation area.
DBS offshore wind farms development project manager Colin McAllister said: “These geophysical surveys will deliver detailed data about conditions on and under the surface of the seabed.
“Combining this with geotechnical data we are also collecting from the turbine foundation sites will deliver exceptional levels of detail about the subsea conditions, which is invaluable.
“It enables us to identify challenges at the development stage and to put in place appropriate mitigations where required.”
Ocean Infinity commercial director Maxime Even said: “This is Ocean Infinity’s first 3D Ultra High Resolution Seismic survey project awarded by RWE, which we are very excited about. Our mission has always been to enable the planet to thrive, and this project is another step in helping us on that journey.
“We are being given the opportunity to continue our support in the growing offshore renewables sector, contributing to the overall global energy transition. This has always been our goal and is a huge win for us.”
Dogger Bank South comprises two sites, DBS East and DBS West, situated more than 100km off the north-east coast of England on the shallow Dogger Bank.
RWE is leading both DBS project developments and will manage project development, construction and operations on behalf of Masdar, the 49% stakeholder in the project.
With an estimated capacity of 3GW, the DBS projects have the potential to generate enough electricity to meet the requirements of around three million UK homes.
The forthcoming development milestones for the DBS projects include the submission of a Development Consent Order application, which is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2024.
If granted, subsequent phases will include securing contracts for difference, financing, construction and commissioning by 2031.
