DenAr Secures Contract for Turkey’s First Offshore Wind Site Investigation
The firm will conduct geophysical and geotechnical surveys to support Turkey's offshore wind ambitions.
1Strategic Offshore Wind Contract
DenAr Ocean Engineering Services has secured a contract from Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The project focuses on geophysical and geotechnical ground investigations for the nation’s inaugural offshore wind site program. This initiative represents a critical step in establishing the country's offshore wind infrastructure within the Sea of Marmara.
2Technical Scope of Surveys
The survey project encompasses multiple advanced technologies, including multibeam echosounders, side-scan sonar, and sub-bottom profilers. DenAr will also conduct magnetometer surveys and unexploded ordnance investigations to ensure site safety. Ultra-high-resolution seismic surveys are included to provide a comprehensive geological profile of the seabed for future wind turbine development and installation.
3Geotechnical Field Operations
Geotechnical activities involve seabed cone penetration testing and extensive sampling from the DP2 vessel Denar Explorer. Following the field collection, the company will perform laboratory testing and detailed reporting. The overall program requires the deployment of three specialized vessels, with operations scheduled to continue throughout the challenging winter season conditions.
4Safety and Operational Planning
To ensure operational safety, DenAr conducted a hazard and operability meeting aboard the Denar Explorer. Representatives from the Ministry of Energy, consultant IMDC, and the offshore team reviewed planned activities. The discussions addressed vessel operations and the specific logistical requirements for working within the busy maritime traffic of the Marmara Sea.
5Project Context and Timeline
This contract award follows a 2023 tender launched by the Ministry for site investigation and consultancy services across three potential development zones. These efforts are essential for the design of Turkey’s first offshore wind auction. The government is systematically preparing the necessary data to support the upcoming large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects.
6Upcoming Auction Milestones
The government published draft rules for a 1 GW offshore wind tender in June 2026. Officials announced in August that the first auction is planned for the first quarter of 2027. These regulatory steps indicate a structured approach to launching the country's offshore wind market and attracting necessary investment for development.
7National Renewable Energy Targets
Turkey has established a clear national target to install 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035. This ambitious goal requires significant site preparation and technical validation of potential zones. The current investigation program serves as the foundational work needed to meet these long-term renewable energy capacity objectives for the country.
8Industry Development Implications
The involvement of specialized firms like DenAr highlights the growing technical capacity within the Turkish maritime engineering sector. As the country moves toward its 2027 auction, the successful completion of these site investigations will be vital for de-risking the project for future developers and ensuring the viability of offshore wind assets.