6 Alpha Associates has partnered with Atkins to provide offshore unexploded ordnance (UXO) risk assessment ahead of the geotechnical surveys prior to the construction of three UK offshore wind farms.
The two companies will deliver UXO risk management services for the geotechnical ground investigations undertaken at the designated turbine locations, as well as along the export cable routes for the Galloper, Rampion and Triton Knoll offshore wind projects.
Prior to specifying the geophysical surveys, 6 Alpha Associates prepared desktop study reports to ascertain the level of initial UXO risk.
Once the absence of UXO had been confirmed by interpretation of the geophysical surveys, 6 Alpha Associates awarded Safety Sign Off Certificates – with the most recent to Triton Knoll being delivered in August this year – to confirm that the risk of UXO had been reduced to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ (ALARP) and that geotechnical vessels could carry out exploratory boreholes.
Simon Cooke, Managing Director, 6 Alpha Associates , said: “By working with Atkins during the preliminary stages of offshore wind construction, we can ensure that the possibility of extensive and costly delays related to the discovery of UXO on site at a later date, is avoided.”
Giorgio Maderni, Chief Geotechnical Engineer, Atkins , said: “Through our partnership with 6 Alpha we can offer our clients an integrated design and investigation team which can minimise risks in a highly cost effective manner for offshore wind developers.”
Image: MAST/Illustration