RWE and Masdar have awarded Ocean Infinity the contract for 3D Ultra High Resolution seismic geophysical surveys at the Dogger Bank South (DBS) West Offshore Wind Farm. This contract involves surveying the subsea terrain at proposed wind turbine foundation sites for DBS West.
The survey work will be conducted by the vessel Deep Helder, starting in early June 2024 and expected to last about 30 days, depending on weather conditions. Ocean Infinity will employ high-definition survey techniques to scan the seafloor and subsea bottom, providing high-resolution 3D geological data deep beneath each proposed turbine site.
Colin McAllister, development project manager for DBS offshore wind farms, emphasized the importance of these surveys: “These geophysical surveys will deliver detailed data about conditions on and under the surface of the seabed. Combining this with geotechnical data we are also collecting from the turbine foundation sites will deliver exceptional levels of detail about the subsea conditions which is invaluable. It enables us to identify challenges at the development stage and to put in place appropriate mitigations where required.”
Maxime Even, commercial director at Ocean Infinity, expressed excitement about the project: “This is Ocean Infinity's first 3D Ultra High Resolution Seismic survey project awarded by RWE, which we are very excited about. Our mission has always been to enable the planet to thrive, and this project is another step in helping us on that journey. We are being given the opportunity to continue our support in the growing offshore renewables sector, contributing to the overall global energy transition. This has always been our goal and is a huge win for us.”
The DBS project consists of two sites, DBS East and DBS West, situated on Dogger Bank, a shallow area of the North Sea over 100km off the northeast coast of England. RWE leads the development, construction, and operations of the project on behalf of partners RWE and Masdar.
With an estimated capacity of 3GW, the DBS projects could generate enough electricity to meet the average annual domestic energy needs of around three million UK homes once fully operational. The next milestone for the projects is the submission of an application for a Development Consent Order, expected in the second quarter of 2024. Following approval, the projects will move to secure Contracts for Difference (CfD), followed by financing, construction, and commissioning by 2031.
