Netherlands-based Fugro Wins Soil Investigation Contract for Parkwind’s Blue Mackerel Offshore Wind Farm in Australia

Netherlands-based Fugro has secured a contract to provide soil investigation services for Parkwind’s Blue Mackerel offshore wind farm in Australia.

Fugro will conduct offshore geotechnical investigations to support Parkwind’s Blue Mackerel project, a part of JERA Nex.

Utilizing its specialized geotechnical vessel, Fugro Mariner, the company will gather seabed soil samples for analysis at a Fugro laboratory.

The survey findings will aid Parkwind in optimizing the structural integrity of its offshore wind farm and reducing construction risks.

“We are thrilled to progress to the next phase of site characterization for our Blue Mackerel flagship project in Australia and are delighted to have Fugro collaborate with us on this crucial geotechnical survey. This project is strategic for Parkwind in Australia and will play a key role in helping Victoria reach its mandated 9 GW offshore wind capacity target on schedule,” stated Anil Chanana, Country Head for Parkwind, Australia.

Last month, Australia’s Offshore Infrastructure Regulator (OIR) approved the feasibility stage management plan for the Blue Mackerel offshore wind farm, allowing the project to commence feasibility activities such as metocean and geotechnical investigations to evaluate renewable energy harnessing potential.

Projected to reach a capacity of 1 GW by 2032, the Blue Mackerel project aims to produce ample renewable energy to power over 500,000 Victorian households.

This contract award for the Blue Mackerel wind farm follows Fugro’s successful completion of the geotechnical site investigation for the Star of the South offshore wind project, which, if fully developed, could supply electricity to 1.2 million homes.