Progress in metocean monitoring and geotechnical analysis
Our project team has wrapped up a period of offshore monitoring and geotechnical investigation, delivering insights that will support future stages of design and development. Below is an overview of the latest updates across both environmental monitoring and geotechnical investigation activities.
Metocean & environmental monitoring
Reliable wind measurements throughout the year
The Akrocean floating LiDAR (FLiDAR) system performed well throughout its full year of operation, maintaining high availability even during multiple severe storms. As a result, we now have a robust dataset on wind conditions across the site.
And although wave analysis was not a primary focus for this cycle, buoy systems were installed to capture specific wave data.
Recovery of the buoys
All buoys were successfully recovered in April 2026.
Avian and bat monitoring
Spoor, our Norwegian partner, expanded our understanding of bird activity in the area, while with the support of Biotope, bat activity was monitored.
Geotechnical investigation progress
Sample retrieval and testing
With the aim of achieving the best knowledge of the seabed stratigraphy where foundations will be driven and cables will be laid, last autumn a geotechnical campaign was performed to physically extract samples of soil.
At the end of the campaign the samples were sent to the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), which has been selected through a rigorous tender process, to perform a comprehensive suite of laboratory tests and determine the properties of the layers (units) of soils.
The combination of these tests provides essential insight to the different layers of homogeneous soils with the level of detail varying according to the granulometry of the collected samples.
Collaboration with NGI and Ramboll
NGI brings valuable experience from previous work on cable landfall and slope stability. They are working in parallel with the design house, who completed the basic design. The new, geotechnical, results will feed into the detailed design phase, ensuring a solid technical foundation for the planned project.