Fugro surveys to help develop Ireland’s offshore grid
Fugro Secures Major Contract for Irish Offshore Project
Dutch surveyor Fugro has clinched a significant seven-year framework agreement with EirGrid, Ireland’s state-owned electricity transmission operator. This partnership will facilitate a comprehensive suite of geo-data surveys for the ambitious “Powering Up Offshore – South Coast” initiative, aimed at developing offshore electricity substations and export cable routes. These efforts are crucial for connecting future wind farms along Ireland’s southern coast to the national grid.
Comprehensive Survey Operations Set to Begin
Under the terms of the agreement, Fugro will conduct a variety of surveys, including desktop studies, geophysical, environmental, and geotechnical assessments. The operations are scheduled to commence in July 2025, with initial activities focusing on geophysical and environmental surveys. This extensive data collection is vital for understanding the complex project area, which encompasses four distinct geographical zones: onshore, intertidal, nearshore, and offshore.
To effectively carry out these operations, Fugro plans to deploy specialized offshore vessels, such as the Fugro Seeker and Kommander Iona, along with jack-up barges for shallow water tasks. The company is also collaborating with local Irish suppliers to enhance service delivery, including metocean data collection and aerial drone surveys, which will complement Fugro’s data insights.
This project aligns with the Irish Government’s climate action plan, which aims to boost the country’s renewable energy capacity to 80%, incorporating at least 5GW of offshore wind energy. By leveraging Fugro’s cloud-based geo-data platform, VirGeo, stakeholders will have real-time access to critical data and project insights, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
