Fugro has been awarded three geotechnical investigation contracts for IJmuiden Ver, the largest offshore wind farm (OWF) zone to be built in the Dutch part of the North Sea.
The IJmuiden Ver investigations are the most comprehensive to date coordinated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the resulting OWF zone will produce a total of 4 GW of renewable energy.
The contracts include an analysis of the seabed, a comprehensive laboratory research program and the development of an integrated ground model. Techniques, such as the generation of synthetic CPTs, will be used to create a geological ground model and the results will be used for future tenders by developers for the 429 km2 OWF zone.
The fieldwork, consisting of seabed cone penetration tests (CPTs), thermal conductivity tests, vibrocores and boreholes, will run from February to August 2021 and will be carried out by Fugro’s DP2 geotechnical vessels.
Several proprietary technologies will be used for the project, including the SEACALF Mk V Deepdrive coiled CPT system, ensuring optimal penetration depth and optimum quality data across the full depth of the base, and the WISON Mk V Ecodrive downhole CPT and sampling tool for more robust geo-data using environmentally friendly hydraulics.
“We are looking forward to working with Fugro to execute our largest geotechnical offshore campaign for RVO. All available soil measurement results will be integrated by Fugro into an advanced integrated 3D ground model adhering to the industry’s highest possible standards. This 3D ground model will form a solid basis for detailed engineering and will therefore derisk the construction of the future IJmuiden Ver wind farms.”
Peter-Paul Lebbink, RVO’s project manager.
“This award for the Netherlands’ largest wind farm development proves Fugro’s winning combination of innovative technology and expert project teams to acquire and analyse high-quality Geo-data in a safer, more efficient and sustainable way. It also underlines our commitment to create a safe and liveable world by delivering the best possible offshore insights to support the global transition to low-carbon energy.”
Sven Plasman, Fugro’s project director.
