SPECIALIST survey vessels are embarking on a groundbreaking mission to unlock valuable clean energy off the coast of Wales. The first vessel, operated by Fugro, has set sail from Swansea with a crew of 30. Over the course of approximately 100 days at sea, the vessel will utilise towed and hull-mounted sensors to collect geophysical data on the properties of the seabed and sub-seabed.
These surveys are part of a series of studies funded by The Crown Estate, aimed at expediting plans for new floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea, situated off the coasts of Wales and South West England. The Crown Estate’s multi-million-pound program encompasses further surveys scheduled for the next two years, gathering data on various aspects such as wind and wave patterns, as well as the presence of birds and marine mammals in the area.
The objective of these surveys is twofold. Firstly, they aim to provide The Crown Estate with reliable datasets that deepen their understanding of the seabed, enabling them to make informed decisions and support the development of offshore projects. Secondly, these datasets will be made freely available to successful bidders, aiding their decision-making processes and facilitating progress through the planning phase.
On July 4th, The Crown Estate disclosed the proposed locations of the wind farms, which consist of four project sites projected to generate up to 4 gigawatts (GW) of floating wind capacity. This substantial capacity would be sufficient to power approximately four million homes, making it one of the largest initiatives of its kind worldwide. As part of this update, The Crown Estate also emphasised the importance of recognising the critical role of ports when bidding to construct the new floating wind farms and expressed their intention to drive social value through the auction process.
Nicola Clay, Head of New Ventures at The Crown Estate, expressed enthusiasm for the surveys, stating, “After many months of careful preparation and planning, these surveys mark an exciting step forward for our plans to establish new floating wind technology off the coast of Wales and South West England.” Clay emphasised that a better understanding of the physical and environmental characteristics of the proposed sites helps remove barriers and risks faced by developers during the planning process. Furthermore, the surveys aid in the assessment and management of any potential environmental impacts.
The United Kingdom has been a global leader in offshore renewables for the past 25 years, and Clay noted that floating offshore wind represents the next chapter in the country’s transition to clean energy. She highlighted the vital role floating offshore wind plays in enhancing energy security, supporting the shift away from fossil fuels, and generating significant value for the UK. Clay eagerly anticipates bringing this new opportunity in the Celtic Sea to market later this year.
Gerard Ferreira, Service Line Manager at Fugro UK, expressed his company’s commitment to supporting The Crown Estate in their clean energy endeavours. Ferreira highlighted the critical role their high-resolution technologies and team of experts play in acquiring specific data sets for The Crown Estate, ultimately de-risking the area for future development and supporting the United Kingdom’s transition to clean energy.
Fugro, a leading global Geo-data specialist, specialises in collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and its structures. With approximately 10,000 employees across 57 countries, Fugro serves clients primarily in the energy, infrastructure, and water industries, both offshore and onshore.
Since 2011, when The Crown Estate initially announced plans to explore viable options for commercial-scale floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea, extensive engagement with governments and stakeholders has taken place to minimise the development process’s potential risks. The Crown Estate provided developers with an update in May, acknowledging the competing demands on the seabed in this area and the need for further work by the UK Government to address spatial considerations and policy drivers. This work is ongoing, with The Crown Estate’s support.
The survey program is one of several steps The Crown Estate is taking to expedite the deployment of floating offshore wind and mitigate risks for developers. Additionally, they are working closely with National Grid ESO to ensure a timely and coordinated grid connection plan. Furthermore, they are striving to deliver a Plan-Level Habitats Regulations Assessment ahead of the tender process. Throughout the summer, The Crown Estate plans to engage further to address any significant considerations and keep prospective developers informed about any additional requirements resulting from their ongoing collaboration with the UK Government.
