Offshore Wind

We have extensive involvement in offshore wind ecological surveys. We have provided the benthic surveys for some of the world’s largest windfarms and then conducted the associated monitoring of these sites.

We also provide marine mammal mitigation, monitoring and advice through our fully qualified Marine Mammal Observers and experienced passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) operators. Our consultants in the offshore wind sector are also experts in their fields.

Comprehensive survey capabilities

Our expertise covers a wide range of survey types and techniques, including:

  • Benthic Surveys: Comprehensive subtidal and intertidal surveys, including habitat mapping, water and sediment sampling, eDNA and advanced assessment of Annex I habitats (e.g., Sabellaria reefs and stony reefs).
  • Predictive Habitat Modelling: Cutting-edge approaches combining geophysical data and seabed imagery to map sensitive habitats over large areas efficiently.
  • Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation: Fully qualified Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and experienced Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators ensure compliance with marine mammal mitigation guidelines during construction and site investigation surveys.

 

A Trusted Partner for Offshore Wind Projects

Since our inception in 2014, we have supported many of the UK’s and Europe’s leading offshore wind developers, including:

  • Ørsted, RWE, SPR, SSE, Vattenfall, Northland Power, Mainstream Renewable Power, Ocean Winds, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis, Floatation Energy, BlueFloat Energy and Falck Renewables.

Our collaborations extend to industry-leading geophysical survey contractors such as N-Sea, ROVCO, Fugro, Acteon / Terrasond and GeoXYZ, as well as prominent EIA consultancies like AECOM, ERM, Tetratech, Royal Haskoning, WSP, and Wood.

We’ve developed a reputation as the go-to provider for benthic ecology services, known for delivering robust data, innovative solutions, and actionable insights for complex projects.

 

Proven Experience Across All Stages of OWF Development

Our portfolio includes high-profile contributions to projects such as:

  • Scotwind Projects: Design and implementation of benthic baseline surveys and subsequent data analysis, interpretation, and technical reporting and mapping for several proposed developments to date.
  • Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind Projects: Comprehensive benthic characterisation surveys, bathymetric surveys, marine mammal mitigation and bird flight assessments.
  • Hornsea Offshore Wind Farms (Ørsted): Multi-phase support, including characterisation and baseline benthic surveys, Annex I habitat mapping, herring spawning monitoring, and post-construction monitoring.
  • Sofia Offshore Wind Farm (RWE): Advisory services and benthic monitoring plan development, alongside extensive pre-construction benthic surveys.

 

Offshore wind turbines in the sea

Offshore Wind projects

Aerial picture of the rocky shore in the survey area
Offshore Wind
Spiorad na Mara Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Surveys
Visit project page: Spiorad na Mara Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Surveys
Picture of a survey crew member working on the boat at sunrise
Offshore Wind
Sofia Offshore Wind Farm: Pre-Construction Benthic Survey and Advisory Services
Visit project page: Sofia Offshore Wind Farm: Pre-Construction Benthic Survey and Advisory Services
Picture of crew members preparing to launch a grab over the side of the boat
Offshore Wind
Bellrock and Broadshore Offshore Wind Farms, Environmental Surveys
Visit project page: Bellrock and Broadshore Offshore Wind Farms, Environmental Surveys
Picture of survey team operating a winch on the back of a boat
Offshore Wind
Arven Offshore Wind Farm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Visit project page: Arven Offshore Wind Farm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Image map of the seabed at Sceirde
Offshore Wind
Sceirde Rocks Offshore Windfarm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Visit project page: Sceirde Rocks Offshore Windfarm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Picture of two of the survey crew preparing to launch a grab off the side of a boat
Offshore Wind
POSEIDON Benthic Sampling Project
Visit project page: POSEIDON Benthic Sampling Project
Picture of the seabed off North Wales
Offshore Wind
Llŷr Offshore Wind Farm: Environmental Surveys
Visit project page: Llŷr Offshore Wind Farm: Environmental Surveys
Picture of a crew member preparing to launch a grab off the back of a boat
Offshore Wind
Morecambe Offshore Wind Farm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Visit project page: Morecambe Offshore Wind Farm: Benthic Characterisation Survey
Picture of the seabed
Offshore Wind
Marine Ecological Characterisation for Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea
Visit project page: Marine Ecological Characterisation for Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea
Picture of benthic samples graded by size into different crates to be taken ashore
Offshore Wind
Rampion and Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farms
Visit project page: Rampion and Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farms
Aerial picture of the rocky shore in the survey area
Offshore Wind
Spiorad na Mara Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Surveys
Visit project page: Spiorad na Mara Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Surveys
Picture of a survey crew member working on the boat at sunrise
Offshore Wind
Sofia Offshore Wind Farm: Pre-Construction Benthic Survey and Advisory Services
Visit project page: Sofia Offshore Wind Farm: Pre-Construction Benthic Survey and Advisory Services
Picture of crew members preparing to launch a grab over the side of the boat
Offshore Wind
Bellrock and Broadshore Offshore Wind Farms, Environmental Surveys
Visit project page: Bellrock and Broadshore Offshore Wind Farms, Environmental Surveys

ocean ecology update

Picture of a remote underwater vehicle (ROV) in the sea

News

OE acquires innovation focused Tritonia Scientific
Read article: OE acquires innovation focused Tritonia Scientific
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News

Ocean Ecology joins the Workboat Association
Read article: Ocean Ecology joins the Workboat Association
Picture of Sara Pflaum

News

Sara Pflaum joins Ocean Ecology
Read article: Sara Pflaum joins Ocean Ecology
Small catamaran (Coastal Surveyor) moored on a harbour wall

News

OE Awarded Triple QHSE ISO Certification
Read article: OE Awarded Triple QHSE ISO Certification
Picture of a remote underwater vehicle (ROV) in the sea

News

OE acquires innovation focused Tritonia Scientific
Read article: OE acquires innovation focused Tritonia Scientific
logo of the Workboat Association

News

Ocean Ecology joins the Workboat Association
Read article: Ocean Ecology joins the Workboat Association
Picture of Sara Pflaum

News

Sara Pflaum joins Ocean Ecology
Read article: Sara Pflaum joins Ocean Ecology

We work extensively in the offshore wind sector

Contact us now for more information about how we could help your project.