Contracts signed for Celtic Sea surveys supporting wind farms
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Contracts signed for Celtic Sea surveys supporting wind farms

Celtic Sea surveys are scheduled to commence this summer as further details emerge regarding the proposed development of floating offshore wind. Specialized survey vessels are preparing to embark on a series of studies after The Crown Estate finalized new contracts. These endeavours aim to gather valuable data that could support and expedite the development of new floating wind farms. Meanwhile, the UK Government is engaged in additional efforts to address spatial considerations and policy drivers related to the competing demands on the seabed in the Celtic Sea.

In 2021, The Crown Estate unveiled plans to explore feasible options for potential leasing opportunities for the first commercial-scale floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea, situated off the coasts of Wales and the South West of England. As this work progresses, The Crown Estate has taken the next step in its multimillion-pound programme of technical and environmental surveys in the Celtic Sea. Contracts have now been signed with specialist Fugro for geophysical surveys, which are slated to commence in the summer. The survey vessel team will employ towed and hull-mounted sensors to gather information on the characteristics of the seabed and sub-seabed.

Nicola Clay, head of new ventures for marine at The Crown Estate, said: “We continue to support the UK Government as it navigates the competing demands in the Celtic Sea and eagerly anticipate reconvening developers in the near future to outline the next steps towards realizing the opportunities presented by floating offshore wind.”

Celtic Sea surveys are scheduled to commence in summer 2023 as further details emerge regarding the proposed development of floating offshore wind. (Image courtesy: Principle Power)
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