Llŷr Offshore Wind Farm: Environmental Surveys

We have been actively involved in supporting the development of the Llŷr Offshore Wind Farm, proposed by Floventis. This project comprises two separate 100 MW sites located south of Pembroke on the Welsh coast, contributing to the UK’s renewable energy goals.

Initial Benthic Characterisation Survey

In collaboration with N-Sea, we conducted a comprehensive benthic characterisation survey across:

• Array areas
• Export cable corridors
• Landfall areas

Using drop-down camera systems and sediment grab sampling, we collected detailed data on seabed habitats. Subsequent laboratory analysis provided accurate ground-truthing of geophysical data collected by N-Sea, forming a baseline for future monitoring of sediment characteristics, macrobenthic communities, and seabed physico-chemical properties.

Alternative Export Cable Route Benthic Characterisation Survey 2024

Following these surveys, Floventis contracted us directly to undertake an alternative export cable route benthic characterisation survey aboard our dedicated survey vessel, Argyll Explorer. This exploratory survey combined multibeam echo sounder and drop-down video methodologies to delineate reef extent in an area of focus and ground-truth seabed type.

The integrated approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the seabed, enabling the identification of environmentally suitable cable routes through non-reef areas while minimising potential impacts on sensitive habitats.