Landmark ScotWind and INTOG Sites
19th November 2023
Landmark Scottish Collaboration
Ocean Ecology Limited (OEL), a leading environmental services provider, was selected as the trusted partner for conducting essential environmental services for the BlueFloat Energy and Renantis Partnership’s Scottish floating offshore wind farms Bellrock, Broadshore, Sinclair and Scaraben. This landmark collaboration is a significant milestone in advancing sustainable renewable energy solutions in Scotland in response to the successful ScotWind and INTOG licensing rounds.
TerraSond, part of Acteon’s Data & Robotics Division and the lead survey contractor for the Partnership’s Scottish portfolio, recognized the importance of environmental stewardship and partnered with UK based OEL to carry out crucial environmental services on behalf of the BlueFloat Energy and Renantis Partnership.
OEL’s extensive expertise in conducting large-scale benthic surveys for the offshore wind sector throughout the UK and Europe played a pivotal role in their selection. Their proven track record includes notable contributions to Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm zones, such as Berwick Bank, Seagreen, and West of Orkney.
As part of the environmental services, OEL led marine mammal mitigation during the geophysical campaigns, aboard the survey vessel Ocean Fortune. The company deployed their in-house Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) certified Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and experienced Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operators, ensuring compliance with European Protected Species licenses and Best Available Techniques.
Additionally, OEL led the benthic characterisation campaign for the two OWF array sites, including the provision of advisory services and designing the benthic sampling plan. The primary focus of the characterisation survey will be to describe the benthic communities present across the project area, assess the status of species and habitats of conservation importance, identify the presence/absence of invasive non-native species (INNS), and gain insights into the biodiversity at the project sites.
OEL’s Technical Director, Ross Griffin said: “We’re delighted to have been trusted by Acteon and the BlueFloat Energy and Renantis Partnership in delivering the benthic characterisation works across these strategically important sites and playing a crucial role in the development of floating offshore wind in Scotland”.
He adds that “…our involvement in these projects alongside ongoing input relating to several other ScotWind and INTOG development sites further solidifies our position as the UK’s leading blue economy focused provider of end-to-end marine ecological services.”
Our Commitment to Offshore Wind
OEL takes pride in being a vital partner in driving responsible and sustainable offshore wind projects, contributing to Scotland’s energy transition and the global fight against climate change.
Bellrock and Broadshore, two prominent offshore wind farms jointly undertaken by BlueFloat Energy and Renantis, are set to make substantial contributions to Scotland’s renewable energy goals. With respective capacities of 1,200 MW and 900 MW, these projects represent a crucial step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
About Acteon
OEL partnered with TerraSond, part of Acteon’s Data & Robotics Division to deliver these important surveys. Acteon provides specialist engineering, services and technology to companies who develop and own marine infrastructure across the life of their assets. Aceton enables their customers to achieve their operational goals with a more efficient integrated solution reducing the cost and carbon footprint through value engineering without compromising the quality of delivery. This is achieved by applying domain expertise to increase efficiencies and enhance commercial and environmental value for customers across the renewable, nearshore construction and oil and gas industries.
For more information, please visit, www.acteon.com
