The pre-construction and engineering survey will provide detailed information to the Walney Extension project team, including additional geophysical data to ensure the seabed is clear of obstructions, including unexploded Second World War ordnance (UXO).

Fugro will use three of its specialist vessels, including the 41m Fugro Helmert, which will survey the main wind farm site. The RV Discovery and Fugro Valkyrie will also be deployed at the wind farm site, as well as on the export cable route.

Andrew Cotterell, Dong Energy's programme director for Walney Extension, commented: "Carrying out geophysical surveys is an important step before we can safely begin offshore construction. We are delighted to be working with Fugro on this phase of our programme."

Nick Simmons, deputy geophysics business line manager at Fugro EMU, added: "We are looking forward to applying our specialist skills and resources in UXO detection at this significant site."

The 660MW Walney Extension offshore wind farm is expected to be fully commissioned in 2019, at which time it will be the biggest offshore wind farm in the world, surpassing the 630MW London Array Offshore Wind Farm which was commissioned in 2014 by Dong Energy and its partners.