Fugro finalizes extensive survey for Atlantic Shores wind projects
Fugro has marked a significant milestone, completing four years of continuous survey operations in New Jersey and New York for Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, a leading US-based offshore wind developer. Covering five projects across three lease areas totalling 1,000km², Fugro collaborated with Atlantic Shores to innovate a new data collection and management strategy, boosting survey efficiency by 30%. This effort played a crucial role in securing federal approval for Atlantic Shores South, set to deliver 2,800MW of clean energy to New Jersey.
Traditionally, offshore wind site assessments involve multiple independent campaigns to gather various data types, including oceanographic, seabed, soil and habitat information. Fugro revolutionized this process by integrating these efforts into a unified programme, aligned with Atlantic Shores’ strategic goals. To handle the substantial data volumes generated – exceeding 100TB – Fugro partnered with Atlantic Shores to create Fugro VirGeo. This cloud-based geodata engagement and delivery platform offers internal stakeholders real-time project insights, enhancing decision-making both in the field and the office.
Furthermore, the platform enabled the first digital deliverables to federal regulators, complementing the extensive reports required by current permitting standards. This shift towards digital deliverables aims to enhance transparency, build public trust and expedite the development timeline through more efficient regulatory reviews. These steps are vital for achieving the ambitious national objective of deploying 30GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.
Accurate data for renewable energy
“Given the shared values of Fugro and Atlantic Shores, we are proud of the longstanding partnership and commitment to advancing New Jersey’s first offshore wind project,” Joris Veldhoven, CEO, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, commented. “Over the last four years, our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure we possess the most accurate data to develop our project portfolio safely and responsibly. Our partnership has led to industry innovations, advancements and best practices that are charting the course for clean energy delivery now and for future generations.”
Céline Gerson, Fugro’s president and group director in the Americas, stated: “The energy transition will require companies that are willing to lead by example – that work smarter to move faster while maintaining the highest accuracy and safety standards. Atlantic Shores is that kind of company, and we’re incredibly proud to have partnered with it to accelerate its offshore wind development journey. We’ve achieved a great deal together in the last four years, and we’re excited to keep this momentum going during future phases of development, working together to increase renewable energy in the US.”
Over the four-year field programme, Fugro consistently adhered to Atlantic Shores’ rigorous Goal Zero safety standard, ensuring the well-being of both people and the environment. This success was attributed to the outstanding safety practices of Fugro’s team, along with their subcontractors Alpine and S.T. Hudson Engineers. These local survey companies were integral to the project, supporting Atlantic Shores’ commitment to creating jobs in New Jersey.
