Drivers for acquiring 3D UHRS data across offshore wind farms.

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Geophysical site surveys are often designed to determine ground risk and reduce uncertainty. However, ground risk is not the only factor to consider, and a wider understanding of other project risks is essential for efficient and cost effective survey selection and design.

Many factors need to be considered when making the decision to recommend the acquisition of 3D rather than 2D ultra-high resolution seismic (UHRS) data. Factors such as geohazard risk, engineering supply chains, permitting and consenting timelines and project financials all need to be considered on a project-by-project basis. In countries with well-established offshore wind industries risks associated with many of these factors are often either lower, or better understood. However, in countries with a nascent offshore wind industry, geophysical site survey strategies need to be planned to account for a whole range of possible future unknown events and minimise uncertainties across a range of factors. The acquisition of 3D UHRS surveys, both in established and newly emerging markets, can provide projects with greater flexibility for engineering decisions, it can reduce repeat surveying,  reduce future costs and enable project timelines to be met.

This case study explores the decision to recommend the acquisition of 3D UHRS data across several offshore wind farms with a variety of survey plans finally agreed upon and the factors leading to the decisions are discussed.  

5th International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics (ISFOG2025)

1 - Site investigation strategies, geohazards and integrated studies