Hughes Subsea, a subsidiary of OEG Renewables, has secured the contract for the unexploded ordnance (UXO) identification and clearance campaign for the East Anglia Three (EA3) wind farm. The project, developed by ScottishPower Renewables in the Southern North Sea, is slated to begin in mid-March and run until early October 2024, utilizing the Glomar Wave, a DP2 66.4m long vessel.
The campaign will cover an area of approximately 305km2 and involve the identification, investigation, and disposal of confirmed UXO (cUXO) targets. Hughes Subsea will deploy its work class remotely operated vehicle (WROV) and specialist divers for the operations, with support from another OEGR business, GEOSIGHT, providing surveying and calibration services.
Additionally, maritime archaeologists will handle historic findings, and marine mammal observers (MMOs) will monitor local wildlife, highlighting a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The EA3 wind farm, located 69km off the coast of East Anglia, will include an offshore substation, up to 100 wind turbine generators on monopile foundations, and 147km of array and export cabling. Once operational, it is expected to generate up to 1400MW of clean energy, sufficient to power over 1 million homes.
Mike Bailey, managing director of Hughes Subsea, expressed excitement about the project, stating: “We are very much looking forward to working with ScottishPower Renewables on the EA3 wind farm development. OEGR and Hughes Subsea are leaders in this highly specialist field of surveying, identifying and responsibly clearing confirmed UXOs.”
Matt Wooltorton, SPR project construction manager for East Anglia Three, emphasized the importance of safety and environmental stewardship in the project: “East Anglia Three will produce enough green electricity to power more than one million homes and it's great to be working with Hughes Subsea on these essential works, which will clear the way for the start of offshore construction later this year.”
