Renewable energy company Renexia has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the first phase of seafloor composition and structure surveys for its ambitious 2,800-megawatt (MW) Med Wind floating offshore wind project in Italy. The surveys, conducted by North American firm Seas Geosciences, were part of the fourth oceanographic campaign for the Med Wind initiative, focusing on defining the anchoring systems for the turbines that will constitute the offshore wind farm.
Seas Geosciences utilized advanced sampling methods with remotely operated systems to explore the underwater environment in the designated area for the Med Wind project. The primary objective of the survey was to gather geotechnical information regarding potential geohazards at the project site and to assess environmentally sustainable mooring and anchoring solutions for the turbines.
Collaborating with Italian company Argo, which provided the platform ship for the seafloor work, the US-based Seas Geosciences successfully conducted cone penetration tests at depths of over 900 meters in the Strait of Sicily, penetrating up to 40 meters below the seafloor. Paolo Sammartino, Chief Operating Officer of Renexia, commended the safety and precision of the operation, stating, “Contractors Seas Geosciences and Argo, while sustaining 100% safety for all involved, have successfully conducted cone penetration tests up to 40m below the seafloor of the Strait of Sicily, at a depth of more than 900m. A survey with an unprecedented level of accuracy for which advanced skills and team spirit are required.”
Renexia's Project Manager, Matteo Pierabella, highlighted the success of the project, acknowledging Seas Geosciences' expertise and adaptability in navigating the challenges associated with deep-sea operations. “The Seas team's skill and flexibility have made the project a success so far. They have taken active steps to help mitigate cost impacts associated with the inevitable challenges that come with working in deep water.”
