Geo-data specialist Fugro has been awarded a contract by Oriel Windfarm Ltd to conduct a detailed geotechnical site investigation for Ireland's planned first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, according to Ocean News & Technology. The 375 MW Oriel project, located off County Louth in the Irish Sea, marks a critical step forward in Ireland's offshore energy programme.

Ocean News & Technology reported that Fugro's winter geotechnical campaign is already underway, with the Fugro Voyager vessel mobilised to the site to begin data acquisition in technically demanding conditions.

The Fugro Voyager is equipped with Fugro's advanced SEADEVIL coring system, designed to recover high-quality, undisturbed soil samples in complex offshore environments. The investigation covers cone penetration testing, wireline geophysics, and laboratory analysis, working at water depths of up to 33 metres.

Garrett Connell, Ireland country manager at JERA Nex bp, said: "Partnering with Fugro on this geotechnical survey campaign represents an important milestone, enabling us to progress our detailed project design and bringing us closer to realising the Oriel project and contributing to Ireland's offshore wind ambitions."

Remmelt de Jong, Fugro's regional business line director for Marine Site Characterisation in Europe and Africa, said: "Early access to high-quality Geo-data is critical for projects of this scale. By understanding the site's ground profile, Oriel Windfarm can make informed decisions that support the long-term performance of offshore wind assets."

The Oriel project is being jointly developed by JERA Nex bp and Irish semi-state utility ESB. Ireland has set a target of 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 under its Climate Action Plan, with Oriel positioned as a foundational project in meeting that ambition.

Explore the full details of Fugro's role in advancing Ireland's offshore wind programme.