Geotechnical Survey Works Set to Begin at Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm

Exciting developments are on the horizon for the Hornsea Four offshore wind farm in the UK, as geotechnical survey works are scheduled to kick off in February 2025.

The geotechnical seabed investigations, which will involve boreholes and cone penetration tests (CPTs), will be carried out using survey vessels Connector, Geoquip Saentis, and Geoquip Seehorn, along with the support vessel GV Independent. Weather permitting, the survey activities are slated to commence on February 10.

Anticipated to span approximately 170 days, factoring in potential weather-related interruptions, the survey works are a crucial step in the project’s progression, as outlined in a Notice to Mariners issued by the project team.

Situated 69 kilometers off the Yorkshire coast, Hornsea Four received development consent from the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero in July 2023, marking a significant milestone for the offshore wind farm.

The project developer, Ørsted, recently secured a Contract for Difference (CfD) for the 2.4 GW offshore wind farm from the UK government in September 2024, underscoring the commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives in the region.

Looking ahead, Ørsted aims to make the final investment decision on Hornsea Four within the next 18 months, with a target for the project to be operational before the close of 2030. This timeline underscores the company’s dedication to driving sustainable energy solutions and contributing to the UK’s renewable energy goals.