Post-installation monitoring surveys can also be carried out periodically to minimise future threats and identify preventative action that can be implemented, improving reliability and reducing un-budgeted costs.
From a fleet of 16 CTVs strategically positioned around the UK and Europe, we offer these survey solutions to energy developers and owners to provide a detailed insight into seabed conditions. Completing the surveys from vessels already located at the wind farms, make it a cost effective solution that maximises the benefits of time on site.
Customers gain from using vessels and crews with experience of their sites, with many operational approvals already in place. Our survey solution also eliminates transit times to site and minimises risk of weather delays.
Scour condition monitoring and volume calculations are performed using high resolution multi-beam bathymetry MBES and side-scan sonar SSS surveys around WTG foundations. This is often where tidal currents have removed material which might compromise the security of foundations or exposed cables. 2D/3D images, maps and volumetric calculations of material moved are produced, at acquisition speeds of 3-4 knots.
The use of multi-beam and side-scan sonar surveys to detect cable exposure and measure depth of sediment cover over cable by comparison of seabed with previous surveys. Use of high resolution MBES digital terrain models, with highly accurate vertical correction for tides to monitor cable depth of cover without the use of ROVs. Acquisition speeds of 3-4 knots.
Cable crossing condition, CPS protection monitoring and depth of burial verification surveys using ROV based tools such as TSS 440/350, Innovatum Smartrak or the Pangeo 3D Seismic system.
Analysis of infauna (subsurface) sampled by grabs or cores and the epifauna (above surface) sampled by trawls or dredges, accompanied by the sub-sampling of sediments for analysis of particle size distributions and contaminant concentrations.