Geoquip Marine gets to work on MarramWind geotechnical surveys

Geoquip Marine, a specialist in acquiring, analysing, and reporting global offshore geotechnical data, is getting to work on gathering crucial engineering data to support the proposed MarramWind floating offshore windfarm.

MarramWind, which is being developed by ScottishPower Renewables and Shell, could be one of the first commercial-scale floating offshore windfarms in the world.

It will be located 75km off the north-east coast of Aberdeenshire and have a proposed generating capacity of 3GW – that’s enough homegrown green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 3.5 million homes.

Selected as the project’s marine data specialist, Geoquip Marine will perform a complete geotechnical investigation to gather soil and geotechnical data for developing an engineering ground model.

This model will support feasibility studies that will inform project development and design activities, including the design and installation assessments of components such as anchors for the floating platforms, fixed foundations for the offshore substation, and inter-array cable systems. 

The work will be completed by Geoquip’s Seehorn vessel, and will continue into 2024 when down-hole work using one of Geoquip Marine’s Integrated Geotechnical Survey vessels (IGSV) will take place.

Richard Eakin, Project Director for MarramWind, said: “Floating wind will be a global gamechanger for the offshore renewables industry and we’re really excited that MarramWind could be one of the first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farms in the world.

“It’s great to see MarramWind moving on with pace and purpose and to have Geoquip Marine on board as we undertake this vital geotechnical survey work that will inform upcoming technical studies and design activities for this exciting green energy project.”

Richard Turner, CEO of Geoquip Marine, said: “Geoquip Marine is thrilled to be working with world-leading energy developers on the large-scale floating offshore wind project, MarramWind. Our expert team is fully committed to safely delivering the precise geotechnical insights needed for this project.’’