Remotely-operated surface vessel surveys Greater Gabbard foundations

April 30, 2020
XOCEAN has completed two unmanned survey operations on the Greater Gabbard wind farm offshore Suffolk in eastern England.

Offshore staff

GREENORE, Ireland XOCEAN has completed two unmanned survey operations on the Greater Gabbard wind farm offshore Suffolk in eastern England.

The company claims this is a first for the offshore wind market.

In January, the initial survey of seven turbine foundations was performed in challenging conditions with maximum wave heights exceeding 2.5 m (8.2 ft). A subsequent survey of 31 turbine foundations and eight inter-array cables was completed in April.

On both projects, the USV was mobilized out of Lowestoft and transited 60 km (37 mi) unaccompanied to the wind farm. On arrival, survey operations were performed on a 24-hour basis over multiple days with the USV pilots and surveyors managing the vessel remotely from their home offices in Ireland and the UK.

The Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables and innogy.

04/30/2020