Fugro has secured a significant geotechnical investigation contract for the 700MW Youde offshore wind farm in Taiwan, marking another step in the country’s ambitious renewable energy expansion. The project, part of Taiwan’s Round 3.2 offshore wind tender, aligns with the nation’s goal of installing 13.1GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Fugro will conduct a thorough site investigation using its Taiwan-flagged vessel, the Pacific Hornbill, equipped with advanced geotechnical drilling and testing systems. The vessel will deploy the C30 marine geotechnical drilling rig and Fugro’s proprietary WISON MkV EcoDrive system for testing and sampling. Additionally, the SEACALF MkV Deep Drive equipment will be used to collect crucial seabed and downhole geotechnical data. Fieldwork for the Youde project, located off Taiwan’s west coast, has commenced and is expected to conclude in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Shalu Shajahan, Fugro Asia Pacific regional business line director, emphasized the significance of the contract, stating, “This award showcases the trust that Shinfox has placed in our track record of delivering high-value Geo-data solutions to offshore wind clients in Taiwan since 2016.” Vincent Tsai, deputy general manager of Fugro IOVTEC, added, “This milestone reinforces IOVTEC’s commitment to strengthening domestic offshore wind capabilities and building long-term partnerships that support Taiwan’s energy transition.”
This development underscores the growing collaboration between international geotechnical experts and local energy companies in advancing Taiwan’s offshore wind sector. As the country strives to meet its renewable energy targets, such partnerships are crucial for overcoming technical challenges and ensuring the sustainable development of offshore wind projects. The success of the Youde project could set a precedent for future collaborations, potentially accelerating Taiwan’s progress towards its 2030 goals and influencing similar initiatives in the region.