Survey will ensure marine wind farm is built on strong foundations
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Underwater investigations on the site of the 860MW Moray West offshore wind farm have been completed, bringing the project a step closer to the construction phase.
Results from the geotechnical survey will enable detailed design work to be carried out on the wind turbine and offshore substation foundations.
Following a check for any unexploded ordnance in the area, specialist marine survey company Fugro GB Marine Limited was able to complete the geotechnical survey work with the survey vessel Normand Flower. The survey was supported by Aberdeen-based Vysus Group.
The survey also drilled cone penetration boreholes at all the foundation locations for the offshore wind farm. The new data will be combined with survey results from 2019 to finalise design of the foundations for each turbine location, as well as the two offshore substations.
Moray West project director Adam Morrison said: “The decision to invest in this extensive survey campaign demonstrates the commitment of the sponsors to progress the project. The survey data is a key part of the design process that will ensure we are ready and able to deliver this significant scale offshore wind project in Scottish waters in line with our programme, and make an important contribution towards net zero."
As preparatory work continues, the Moray West team has been steadily growing, with 10 new roles currently being filled to add to the 30 staff employed at the beginning of the year. The new roles will be based in the UK headquarters of Ocean Winds in Edinburgh.
Mr Morrison added: "I am delighted that the recruitment process is accelerating as we grow the team with fresh new talent to enable project delivery. This is good news for Scottish jobs and demonstrates the positive impact that our offshore wind farms are having in Scotland’s capital city and coastal communities.”
