GEOxyz selected for surveys in Dutch offshore wind farm project
GEOxyz has been selected by TenneT, the national electricity transmission system operator of the Netherlands, to conduct geophysical and geotechnical surveys for the export cable route of the Nederwiek 3 Offshore Wind Farm (NW3 OWF) in the Netherlands. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and TenneT are planning an underground high-voltage connection from the Nederwiek OWF in the North Sea to the province of Noord Brabant.
TenneT has awarded GEOxyz the geophysical and geotechnical route survey for the inland section in lake and riverine environments, from the village of Stellendam to the town of Geertruidenberg. Additionally, there is an option for the offshore section near the Nederwiek OWF and the nearshore area south of the Port of Rotterdam. With strong capabilities in inland, nearshore and offshore operations, GEOxyz has provided the best quality proposal within the client’s budget and time constraints.
Adjusting to complex survey conditions
GEOxyz has mobilized the Geosurveyor VIII and Geosurveyor V for the inland and nearshore sections, considering the wide variety of environmental conditions. For the offshore works, the Geo Ocean III or Geo Ocean VI vessels are scheduled. The Geodrone ASV and aerial UAV team will cover ultra-shallow waters and land sections. Operating a specialized fleet of owned survey vessels allows the company to adapt to the complexity of the survey area and comply with the required permits and legislation.
In terms of specific project aspects, a geotechnical sampling depth of ten metres is required. To acquire high-quality samples in the marine environment, GEOxyz has introduced a novel technique. The company is highly capable of managing the risk of unexploded ordnance, including the suspected presence of aluminium sea mines, through its in-house UXO consultant.
The surveys aim to investigate the suitability of the intended cable corridor, establish the topography of the seabed and identify obstructions in the corridor. Based on the acquired data, a geological model of the cable corridor will be developed, along with a Burial Assessment Study (IBAS). This study will determine the necessary technical parameters for cable design and installation methodology, thereby minimizing the risk of encountering unforeseen ground conditions during the cable installation process.
