Getty Images 1278294014

Case Study

Offshore site investigation for a pioneering floating wind project

Client

Les Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (LEFGL), a joint-venture between EDPR, ENGIE and La Caisse des Dépôts.

Asset

Floating offshore wind farm pilot Scheme

Location

Leucate and Le Barcarès, France

Client challenge

LEFGL, required a study to develop a pilot floating offshore wind farm involving four 6.33 MW wind turbines, located approximately 16km off the coast of the Occitanie region, close to the French cities of Leucate and Le Barcarès; in the heart of the country’s largest source of offshore wind power.

The challenge was to successfully anchor the four floating turbines effectively and securely. The right equipment design and installation solutions were fundamental to meet the project’s objective to generate power from 2020.

The project aimed to advance France’s offshore wind industry with new floating technology, which had historically utilised fixed platform designs for wind turbines, embedding foundations in the seabed. Floating wind technology can help to supply significantly low-carbon energy at a local, national and global level, as a competitive export.

Getty Images 1185015655
Getty Images 510698206

The best report we’ve seen, with no queries from the certification body. Not even a single comment.

How we helped

We used our extensive experience in geotechnical and ground modelling to characterise the site’s subsea ground conditions, support offshore site investigation and provide geotechnical engineering solutions. Our initial report updated the current understanding of the site’s geology, through an analysis of geophysical data and geological conditions from a preliminary survey. From this we developed a preliminary 3D ground model.

Our support covered four stages:

  • Geotechnical survey strategy
  • Defining technical specifications
  • Investigation technical support
  • Ground model (3D) and interpretative report

We set out a detailed scope of the intrusive geotechnical investigation and helped our client select the contractor. Our offshore technical support during the investigation phase of the project, ensured it was carried out to specification and included troubleshooting and guidance on laboratory testing.

Our 3D ground model provided a detailed analysis to reduce existing uncertainty and minimise risk of delay in the project’s development.

Powerful results

Our technology and offshore support ensured that the four floating turbines were successfully secured.

Testimonial

The best report we’ve seen, with no queries from the certification body. Not even a single comment. LEFGL team

Case Studies

Design appraisal & code compliance survey

  • 28.11.2024
  • Case Study
  • Power, Renewables & Transition

Safety studies for LNG reclassification

  • 06.06.2023
  • Case Study
  • Power, Renewables & Transition
More Case Studies
icon-chevron-lefticon-chevron-righticon-chevron-upicon-close-circleicon-closeicon-facebookicon-globeicon-insightsicon-instagramicon-linkedinicon-logo-largeicon-logo-originalicon-logo-sgc-largeSGC Engineering LLCA Vysus Group Companyicon-menuicon-newsicon-searchicon-sectorsicon-servicesicon-statsicon-studyicon-twittericon-webinaricon-youtubevysus-leaf-optim