Pre-construction surveys contractor appointed for UK offshore windfarm

UK-based contractor Fugro EMU has been appointed to carry out offshore pre-construction surveys for Dong Energy’s Walney Extension project, in Cumbria, UK.

Fugro will provide 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, before construction starts.

Fugro will use its 41m Fugro Helmert boat to survey the main windfarm site, its 24m RV Discovery boat to operate on both the wind farm site and the export cable route, and its 12m Fugro Valkyrie boat to carry out the nearshore works on the export cable.

Nick Simmons, deputy geophysics business line manager at Fugro EMU, said, "We are looking forward to applying our specialist skills and resources in UXO (unexploded ordnance) detection at this significat site and are pleased that our extensive experience continues to contribute to the strong relationship between Fugro and Dong Energy."

Dong Energy announced in October 2015 it would construct the 660MW Walney Extension offshore wind farm. The windfarm is expected to be fully commissioned in 2019, at which point, it will be the biggest offshore windfarm in the world, according to Dong.