Fugro wraps up offshore field programme for Mayflower Wind in US

Fugro has successfully completed a large site characterisation field programme off the coast of Massachusetts for Mayflower Wind, a joint venture between Shell New Energies and Ocean Winds (the global offshore wind collaboration of Engie and EDP Renewables). The 6-month programme involved comprehensive, high-resolution Geo-data acquisition within the project’s 520-km² lease area and along the export cable routes. These data will support permitting, design and installation of the proposed wind farm, which could generate up to 800 MW of renewable energy for over half a million home

Fugro’s work on the project began in April and comprised four vessels and one aircraft to acquire Geo-data about the site’s water depth, seafloor morphology, seabed and sub-seabed geohazards, historical and archaeological resources, benthic habitats, and soil properties. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Fugro coordinated closely with client representatives, implementing new procedures to ensure the health and safety of Fugro staff and stakeholders throughout the field programme. The strategies proved successful, with all required survey, geotechnical and environmental data collected on time and without incident. Laboratory testing, data integration and analysis are now underway to support the project’s construction and operation plans.

Mayflower Wind Technical Director Michiel Bekker recognised Fugro for its contributions, noting the company’s achievement of ‘Goal Zero’ for no harm to people or the environment, all while managing the operational uncertainties caused by Covid-19. “Fugro has been a real partner to us and we commend the company for their hard work and professionalism on the geophysical, geotechnical, lidar, and benthic campaigns for Mayflower in 2020. These data are important to both permitting and engineering efforts and will help keep this important project on track to generate low-cost, clean energy to the state of Massachusetts by the mid-2020s.”

Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle.

Employing approximately 9,500 talented people in 61 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2019, revenue amounted to EUR 1.6 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.