Survey Other Start

On 27 July 2021, Blue Gem Wind reported that metocean studies for the Erebus and Valorous floating offshore wind projects were now underway in Welsh waters. These studies mark the start of a dedicated metocean survey campaign for Erebus, Wales’ first floating offshore wind farm, and its sister project Valorous. The work focuses on collecting detailed measurements of wave, current, wind, and other oceanographic conditions at and around the project sites. Such data are critical inputs for the engineering design of floating platforms, mooring systems, and electrical infrastructure, as well as for long-term energy yield assessments and operational planning. The metocean campaign is being carried out by ABPmer, which has been engaged to perform the studies and deliver certifiable metocean criteria for both projects. This implies the work will follow recognised industry methodologies and quality standards, providing bankable datasets that can be relied upon by designers, certifiers, and potential financiers. As Erebus progresses through its early development phase, the initiation of these surveys represents a key technical milestone that complements earlier site investigation and assessment activities. The results will feed directly into detailed engineering and contribute to de-risking the design and future construction phases of Wales’ first generation of floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea. By commencing metocean studies at this stage, Blue Gem Wind is consolidating the environmental and technical evidence base required to support both the design process and subsequent regulatory and commercial steps for Erebus.