Fugro has begun preliminary site investigations at the Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone in the Dutch sector of the North Sea.
The site characterisation specialist will perform geophysical surveys from its 54-metre multi-purpose survey vessel, Fugro Pioneer and the 40-metre Victor Hensen.
According to the company, the work should take place over a period of 3 to 4 weeks and will focus on mapping the seabed characteristics and sub-surface soil conditions.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency, part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, will provide site specific information on the conditions of wind energy areas to future developers of the Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone.
The site information acquired by Fugro will be made available to the participants in the SDE+ subsidy and permit tenders for the construction and operation offshore wind farms in the Netherlands. The first tender for the Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone is scheduled to close in the third quarter of 2017.
The 356-square-kilometre Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Zone is planned to be divided into four sites, with each site capable of accommodating 350 MW.