Fugro Helmert is one of Fugro’s three specialist vessels deployed at the Walney Extension – the site that will be the world’s biggest offshore wind farm (photo: Fugro)

DONG Energy has appointed Fugro to perform offshore pre-construction surveys at the Walney Extension offshore wind farm. Fugro will begin seabed survey work in the Irish Sea off the coast of Cumbria, UK in March.

The pre-construction and engineering survey will provide detailed information to the Walney Extension project team, including additional geophysical data to ensure the seabed is clear of obstructions, including unexploded Second World War ordnance (UXO).

Fugro will use three of its specialist vessels including the 41-metre Fugro Helmert, which will survey the main wind farm site. The RV Discovery and Fugro Valkyrie will also be deployed at the wind farm site as well as on the export cable route.

“Carrying out geophysical surveys is an important step before we can safely begin offshore construction,” says Andrew Cotterell, DONG Energy’s programme director for Walney Extension. “We are delighted to be working with Fugro on this phase of our programme.”

Nick Simmons, Deputy Geophysics Business Line Manager at Fugro EMU addes, “We are looking forward to applying our specialist skills and resources in UXO detection at this significant site and are pleased that our extensive experience continues to contribute to Fugro’s strong relationship with DONG Energy.”

The 660MW Walney Extension offshore wind farm is expected to be fully commissioned in 2019, at which time it will be the biggest offshore wind farm in the world, surpassing the 630-MW London Array Offshore Wind Farm which was commissioned in 2014 by DONG Energy and its partners.

Tags: Fugro