The German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) has selected Fraunhofer IWES, among others, to conduct preliminary assessment of soil conditions before contracts can be awarded for new offshore wind farm clusters in the North and Baltic Sea.
Researchers will compile 3D seabed models based on geophysical data.
The so-called multichannel seismic survey method delivers high-resolution data for soil layers at all relevant depths for wind turbine fundaments. The system has already been used for geophysical surveys at several German wind farms and in various research projects in both the North and Baltic Seas.
The measurement campaign to collect the data is planned for September. Depending on the size of the area to be surveyed, the measurement campaign may take up to several weeks.
In 2017, German Offshore Wind Energy Act (WindSeeG) specified that the BSH must employ a tendering procedure for the awarding of exploratory work. Fraunhofer IWES, among others, was chosen in the first tender round.
“We are delighted to have been selected and to have this opportunity to employ our multichannel seismic survey method for the BSH,” explained Dr. Bernhard Lange , division manager Wind Farm Planning and Operation at Fraunhofer IWES.