Fugro has relocated its Amberjack self-elevating platform to Japan to bolster the country’s burgeoning offshore wind sector. The move comes as Japan ramps up its efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in the offshore wind segment.
The Amberjack platform will play a crucial role in conducting geotechnical studies and providing essential services for offshore wind projects in Japanese waters. With the platform’s deployment, Fugro aims to streamline the process of mobilization to project sites and expedite the delivery of accurate geo-data to support the country’s offshore wind industry.
To adhere to Japanese regulations, which prioritize vessels registered in Japan for fieldwork, the Amberjack was reflagged in December 2023 and is now stationed in Tokyo. From its base in Tokyo, the platform will be deployed to various offshore wind farm projects across Japan.
Equipped with advanced capabilities, the Amberjack will conduct geotechnical borehole drilling, high-quality sampling, and a range of in situ tests, including downhole cone penetration tests (CPTs) and standard penetration tests (SPTs). Additionally, the platform will provide downhole geophysical logging for preliminary and detailed geotechnical surveys, as well as cable route surveys.
Junichi Kuwamura, Fugro’s Country Manager for Japan, emphasized the significance of deploying the Amberjack to meet the country’s growing demand for geotechnical services. Kuwamura stated, “Transferring the Fugro Amberjack to Japan will help us respond faster to our country’s growing demand for geotechnical SEP services.”
Japan aims to achieve 10GW of offshore wind developments by 2030 and 30GW to 45GW by 2040, as part of its renewable energy targets. Fugro’s geo-data solutions are poised to support Japan’s energy transition and accelerate the development of offshore wind farms in the country.
With its cutting-edge capabilities and compliance with international and Japanese geotechnical standards, the Amberjack platform is poised to contribute significantly to Japan’s renewable energy ambitions.
