Fugro has secured a seven-year framework agreement with EirGrid, Ireland’s state-owned electricity transmission operator, to provide comprehensive geo-data surveys for the “Powering Up Offshore – South Coast” project. This initiative aims to develop offshore electricity substations and export cable routes, connecting future wind farms along Ireland’s south coast to the national grid. Fugro’s role will be pivotal in selecting optimal routes and engineering designs, mitigating project risks, and ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible development.
Under the agreement, Fugro will deliver desktop studies, geophysical, environmental, and geotechnical surveys. These investigations will culminate in a fully integrated ground model, offering EirGrid a detailed understanding of subsurface conditions for installing transmission infrastructure while safeguarding Ireland’s marine ecosystem. Operations are set to commence this month, beginning with geophysical and environmental surveys. All geo-data will be accessible through Fugro’s VirGeo®, a cloud-based platform that provides real-time data and project insights, fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
“We’re proud to support EirGrid in delivering critical infrastructure for Ireland’s offshore energy future,” said John ten Hoope, Fugro’s regional business line director for marine site characterisation in Europe and Africa. “By providing end-to-end geo-data solutions delivered efficiently through our advanced technologies and local collaborations, we are setting the foundation for safe, sustainable, and accelerated offshore wind development along the south coast.”
The project area is complex, encompassing four distinct zones: onshore, intertidal, nearshore, and offshore. Fugro will deploy specialised offshore vessels, including the Fugro Seeker and Kommander Iona, along with jack-up barges for shallow water activities. To bolster local economic support, Fugro is collaborating with Irish-based suppliers for key services such as metocean data collection and aerial drone surveys, enhancing and complementing its data insights.
This project aligns with the Irish Government’s climate action plan, which targets expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity to 80%, including at least 5GW of offshore wind energy. Robust grid connections, as developed under this framework, are essential for integrating offshore wind into the national energy system. The collaboration between Fugro and EirGrid not only advances Ireland’s renewable energy goals but also sets a precedent for sustainable offshore wind development globally.