Rovco to work on site characterization at 1.5 GW offshore wind project in UK

Rovco has been selected for site characterization work on the 1.5 GW Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind project in the UK.

With the project scheduled to start imminently, the UK-based company will be responsible for carrying out a full geophysical investigation of several key sites at Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind off the Lincolnshire coast.

The scope of work will involve mapping both the seabed and sub-seabed conditions to identify hazards that may affect the future installation of wind turbines and subsea cables.

In addition, Rovco will conduct benthic environmental surveys of the site, helping to understand better and minimize any disruption to local wildlife.

The work will be carried out by one of the company’s dedicated survey vessels, Glomar Supporter, which features an unnamed surface vessel (USV) onboard to deliver simultaneous data collection with instant upload to the ship.

The vessel also has a work class ROV for concurrent inspection activities.

“This work will be key to ensuring we design the Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind farm to the highest standards and with strong environmental stewardship. As we progress our engineering work, we aim to bolster the UK skill-base and supply chain, which will in turn help the UK reach net zero. We look forward to working with Rovco to add 1.5 GW of renewable power to the UK power mix, reducing emissions and improving UK energy security,” said Luis McArthur, Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Survey Manager.

The Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind project is a joint venture between TotalEnergies, Corio Generation, a portfolio company of Macquarie Asset Management, and Gulf Energy Development.

The project’s Development Consent Order application was accepted by the Planning Inspectorate in April 2024 and includes an offshore wind farm comprising up to 100 turbines, underground cables to carry the power from the landfall site close to Anderby Marsh, and a new onshore substation at Surfleet Marsh.

The project will then connect to existing National Grid overhead transmission lines in the Weston Marsh area.

With a planned installed capacity of 1.5 GW, it will be one of the UK’s largest offshore wind farms upon completion.