Fugro has completed a positioning support contract for Bourbon Subsea Services (Bourbon) to help install the three units of the WindFloat Atlantic semi-submersible floating wind farm. Located 20 km from Viana do Castelo on the west coast of Portugal, and in water depths of 100 m, this cutting-edge floating offshore wind farm comprises three 8.4 MW turbines that will have a total installed capacity of 25 MW.
Fugro’s positioning services ensured safety and accuracy on the WindFloat Atlantic floating offshore wind farm project (WindFloat unit shown)
Having already worked with Bourbon to install the a 2 MW WindFloat unit in Scotland 2 years ago, Fugro applied their experience in oil and gas drill-rig moves, and expertise in precise satellite positioning, to support Bourbon’s towing and positioning of the final floating wind turbine to the pre-installed anchor lines. Fugro also developed and fitted a customised remote positioning system, powered by a combination of solar and wind, to the floating turbine, which allowed a real-time connection to the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and support vessel. Finally, they supported Bourbon‘s installation of the inter-array cables (IACs) by performing touchdown monitoring (TDM) and consulted on video and positioning data acquired via Bourbon’s ROV and vessel spread.
Alastair McKie, Fugro’s Director for Positioning and Construction Support in Europe and Africa, said: “This project with Bourbon, led by Windplus, demonstrates the crucial role Fugro plays in helping our clients to deliver vital renewable infrastructure in a safe and responsible way. Our cross-industry expertise assisted Bourbon in positioning this floating wind farm and supporting our client’s energy ambitions for a safe and liveable world.”
About Fugro
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.