Fugro Secures East Anglia Two Offshore Wind Survey Contract
Fugro will conduct post-installation seabed surveys for the 960 MW wind project.
1Survey Contract Awarded
Fugro has officially secured a contract from Cadeler to perform post-installation seabed surveys at the East Anglia Two offshore wind farm. The project, located approximately 33 kilometres off the Suffolk coast, is being developed by ScottishPower Renewables. Operations are currently scheduled to commence in early 2027 to ensure structural compliance.
2Technical Inspection Scope
The survey work involves inspecting 64 monopile foundation locations to verify they were installed according to the original design plans. Fugro will deploy its FCV 600 work-class remotely operated vehicle, known as an ROV, from a Cadeler installation vessel. This process provides essential data for long-term integrity assessments and quality assurance.
3Vessel and Installation Strategy
Cadeler holds the responsibility for transporting and installing all 64 monopile foundations and wind turbines for the site. To execute this campaign, the company will utilize its newbuild A-class vessel, Wind Ace, in conjunction with an O-class vessel. These specialized ships are designed to handle the heavy lifting required for offshore infrastructure.
4Project Scale and Timeline
The East Anglia Two development is a significant 960 MW project under the Iberdrola Group umbrella. It will feature 64 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-236 DD turbines once fully completed. The facility is currently on track to achieve commercial operation by late 2028, contributing to the broader expansion of UK offshore wind capacity.
5Ongoing Industry Collaboration
Fugro maintains an active partnership with Cadeler beyond this specific project. The companies are currently collaborating at Ørsted’s 2.9 GW Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm. Fugro specialists are providing positioning and construction services there, utilizing advanced InclinoCam technology to measure the precise tilt and vertical alignment of foundations during the installation phase.
6Technological Integrity Standards
The use of the FCV 600 ROV represents a standard industry approach to subsea verification in deep-water environments. By capturing high-resolution data post-installation, developers can mitigate risks associated with foundation settlement or scouring. This rigorous inspection process is vital for the 25-year operational lifespan typically expected for modern offshore wind turbine assets.
7Market Context for Surveys
Post-installation surveys are a critical component of the offshore wind value chain, bridging the gap between construction and commercial operation. As turbine sizes increase, such as the SG 14-236 DD models used here, the precision required for foundation placement becomes more demanding. Fugro’s role ensures that structural integrity meets strict regulatory safety requirements.
8Strategic Importance of Data
The data gathered during these surveys serves as a baseline for future maintenance cycles and structural health monitoring. By confirming the as-built status of the 64 monopiles, ScottishPower Renewables can optimize their long-term asset management strategy. This systematic verification process remains a cornerstone of successful large-scale offshore energy infrastructure development in Europe.
Original article: offshoreWIND.biz — Fugro Secures East Anglia Two Offshore Wind Survey Contract