The programme will be completed in three phases over the next three years and comprises geotechnical investigations at potential offshore wind farm development areas.

Fugro's site characterisation services will provide geotechnical data acquisition from multiple geotechnical drilling vessels, and geotechnical laboratory testing and reporting by its German and UK laboratories. The total contract value is approximately €25 million (US$27 million).

With project preparations underway, Fugro is moving quickly to mobilise for the target start date of mid-September. Fugro's survey department will provide unexploded ordnance services before its dedicated geotechnical drilling vessels (the Fugro Scout and Gargano) execute the fieldwork. Its standard and advanced laboratory testing results will be used by future wind farm developers to prepare their bids.

"Fugro's track record in providing reliable geotechnical data in advance of the developers' bidding rounds has certainly helped win this project; being able to mobilise two dedicated geotechnical vessels for the project was another major factor in our success in this award," said Erik Vogt, Fugro's project manager.