Fugro has commenced the seabed surveys at the North Falls offshore wind project, the proposed extension of the operational Greater Gabbard wind farm in the UK.
Vessels Fugro Mercator and Fugro Seeker will conduct geophysical surveys of the seabed, while Curtis Marshall will take benthic grab samples and drop-down camera photography.
The surveys will enable the project team to assess local environmental conditions and identify and locate protected marine species and habitats, forming a baseline understanding of the area.
“From the environmental data and samples gathered we will be able to identify risks and impacts and develop plans for mitigation, while the survey results will also feed into the early design and engineering of the project’s offshore infrastructure,” said North Falls project manager Martin Whyte .
“The information will also help to determine what type of further detailed survey works are likely to be required as the project progresses.”
The vessels will operate out of Harwich Port and are expected to complete the surveys by the late summer.
The up to 504 MW North Falls is one of the seven UK offshore wind farm extension projects that secured Agreements for Lease with the UK seabed manager The Crown Estate last year.
The project site is located approximately 20 kilometers from the East Anglia coast on a site covering a total of 150 km 2 .
North Falls Offshore Wind, the developer of the project, is a special purpose company and a 50:50 joint venture between SSE Renewables and RWE.