United Kingdom – The North Sea Giant vessel is poised to start suction bucket trials within the array areas of the Mona and Morgan offshore wind farm sites. Located off the coasts of North West England and North Wales, these trials mark a crucial step in advancing the foundation technology for offshore wind turbines.
The trials, set to span approximately 32 days, will see the North Sea Giant in action, lifting a suction bucket and maneuvering it onto the seabed. Subsea pumps will be deployed to drive the suction bucket into the seabed and retrieve it, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of this innovative foundation method. The campaign anticipates around 20 suction bucket trials, contingent upon favorable weather conditions.
BP and EnBW, the collaborative forces behind the Mona and Morgan offshore wind farms, highlighted in their environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping reports that various foundation types are under consideration for the projects. The final determination of the foundation type will hinge on factors such as wind turbine specifications and the results of environmental and pre-construction site investigation surveys.
Earlier this year, Kent, a Dubai-based engineering company tasked with the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for the Morgan and Mona offshore wind farms, disclosed plans to design jacket foundations catering to 17-24 MW wind turbines. This forward-looking initiative is set to unfold in a water depth of 35 meters, showcasing a commitment to pushing the boundaries of offshore wind capabilities.
Morgan and Mona
BP and EnBW secured leases for the Morgan and Mona project sites as part of the UK Round 4 leasing in early 2021. With a combined total installed capacity of up to 3 GW, the wind farms are poised to make a substantial impact on the renewable energy landscape. Development consent applications for the Mona offshore wind farm are anticipated in the first quarter of 2024, followed by the Morgan project in the second quarter of the same year, as indicated by information on the UK Planning Inspectorate’s website.
