Fugro Secures Offshore Wind Site Survey in German North Sea
Fugro has secured contracts to conduct both geophysical and geotechnical site investigations for the development of two large-scale offshore wind farms in the German North Sea.The project, known as Windbostel Ost and Windbostel West, is a joint venture between RWE and TotalEnergies, with a combined generating capacity of 4 GW.Fugro’s comprehensive site characterization work will provide essential geo-data on the seabed and subsurface conditions northwest of the island of Borkum.The geophysical surveys will provide initial detailed mapping of the seabed and shallow subsurface layers, identifying
First Steel Cut for HVAC Infrastructure for Belgian Offshore Energy Hub
A new milestone has been reached in the development of Belgium’s offshore energy hub, Princess Elisabeth, with the first steel cut for the construction of the high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) infrastructure.The steel cutting ceremony was held at the HSM Offshore Energy yard in Schiedam in the Netherlands.The HVAC modules, which include high-voltage substations and a facility module, will be directly installed onto the Princess Elisabeth offshore energy hub.Located 45 km off the Belgian coast, the artificial island will serve as a key connection point for transporting at least 2.1 GW of
Shearwater Lands 4D Survey at Equinor’s Norwegian Sea Field
Offshore seismic services firm Shearwater Geoservices has signed a contract with Equinor to perform a 4D towed streamer seismic survey over the Tyrihans field in Norway.It is the first project awarded under the 2021 Equinor frame agreement following a recent extension for an additional two years.The one-month Norwegian Sea survey will start in early August. Shearwater will deploy the Amazon Conqueror, using Isometrix technology.The survey follows previous 4D campaigns for Equinor, most recently at the Mariner and Heidrun fields in 2024.Applying the same technology to capture repeat high-quality
MacArtney to Equip N-Sea’s Altera CLV Newbuild
MacArtney Offshore Wind Solutions, in collaboration with Subsea Cable Assets (SCA) and Enersea, has secured the contract to design and deliver a fully integrated cable lay spread, a tailored solution for N-Sea’s new cable laying vessel (CLV), Altera.The project will combine MacArtney’s advanced mission equipment and control systems, SCA’s fabrication and EPCI expertise, and Enersea’s deck layout and integration design.It is expected to result a turnkey system designed to enhance operational efficiency, ensure safety, and enable swift mobilization, customized to meet the demands
Vallourec to Deliver Tubular Solution for Qatar’s Drilling ops
Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) for drilling operations in Qatar, valued at over $50 million in potential revenue.The agreement includes the supply of carbon steel OCTG products with premium connections, to be delivered in 2026 to support Qatar’s increasing drilling activity both onshore and offshore.Vallourec has a historical presence in Qatar where VAM connections are widely used by all operators.The contract aligns with recent announcements from Qatar-based companies to increase the country’s oil production by 19% and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production by 85% by 2030. Overall, LNG
SeaBird Exploration Rebrands to SED Energy Holdings
Norwegian marine seismic survey services firm Seabird Exploration has changed its name to SED Energy Holdings (Energy Holdings), following the merger with Energy Drilling.Effective from June 20, 2025, the name will be changed along with the ticker code to ENH.The new company name has been registered with the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property in Cyprus.Final approval of the listing prospectus for the ordinary shares issued in relation to the transaction is expected in the third quarter of 2025, after which the new ordinary shares will be listed and tradeable under the same
Viridien, TGS Kick Off Next Phase of Laconia Sparse OBN Survey in US Gulf
delivery in the first quarter of 2026.“TGS remains committed to supporting the energy industry with the highest quality seismic solutions.“Laconia Phase III represents another significant step forward in our ability to deliver advanced data products in one of the world’s most important offshore regions. Through cooperation with Viridien and the combination of our leading edge OBN acquisition and imaging technologies, we are confident this project will provide tremendous value to our customers,” said Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS.“The success of our Laconia OBN program is a
Decom Engineering Launches Ultra-Light Chopsaw for Subsea Ops
light enough for smaller ROVs to deploy effectively. This eliminates the need for cranes and enables access to challenging locations previously considered inaccessible,” said Nick McNally, Decom Engineering Commercial Director.Following extensive testing and trials, the C1-16UL has been deployed offshore on international projects, leading to Decom investing in three additional units which are currently engaged in chain cutting and flexible riser cutting operations.The C1-16UL incorporates several innovations, including a subsea-grade aluminium frame replacing traditional steel construction and a
DeepOcean Bolsters Subsea Robotics Fleet with Eight New ROVs
. The ROVs are utilized from inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR), construction, survey as well as removal and recycling of subsea assets.“Expanding our ROV fleet at this scale will enable us to further strengthen the services we provide to clients worldwide, across both the oil and gas and offshore wind sectors. The new units feature the latest and most efficient underwater technologies available and are fully compatible with our remote, autonomous and digital solutions,” said Olaf A. Hansen, managing director, DeepOcean Europe
Subsea7 Nets ‘Substantial’ Contract off Norway
Subsea 7 today has secured a ‘substantial’ contract offshore Norway, worth between $150 million and $300 million.Subsea7’s scope includes engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of pipeline bundles, spools, protection covers and tie-ins using key vessels from Subsea7’s fleet.Project management and engineering will begin immediately at Subsea7’s offices in Stavanger, Norway and Aberdeen, Scotland.Fabrication of pipeline bundles will take place at Wester, Scotland, while the offshore operations are expected to take place in 2025-2027.Subsea7 did not
Acteon’s Rocksteady Tension Tool Selected by InnovateUK
a UK program designed to fast-track knowledge transfer and accelerate innovation. The RSTT is a reusable in-line winch and connection system designed to enable mid-line hookup of mooring lines at final tension to optimize the hook-up and disconnection processes between mooring systems and floating offshore wind turbines.The RSTT is expected to significantly reduce capital expenditure and installation costs by eliminating the need for fairleads, tensioners, and chains; reducing vessel size requirements and using a reusable subsea winch system that minimizes rigging operations for each new mooring installati
Fugro-Led BeWild Completes First Fully Remote Ecology Survey at OW Farm
The BeWild project, led by Fugro, has completed the world’s first fully remote ecology survey at CrossWind’s Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind farm, marking a significant shift in marine ecosystem monitoring.The innovative approach enables more efficient and less disruptive monitoring, which is crucial for protecting marine life and the sustainable growth of offshore wind energy.Together, the BeWild partners integrated computer vision and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling into Fugro’s Blue Volta electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV).This system was deployed from its Blue Essence
MODEC and Terra Drone Renew FPSO Drone Inspection Partnership
to safely perform inspections without increasing the number of personnel onboard offers a significant advantage.By innovating drone inspection techniques, MODEC and Terra Drone will continue to contribute to improved occupational safety, manpower reduction, and greater efficiency in FPSOs and other offshore platforms operations,” MODEC said.So far, the two companies have successfully reduced inspection time and enhanced safety by developing the Terra UT drone for inspection operations on FPSOs operating offshore Brazil.The reported achievements include improved measurement accuracy through the
EIB Pledges $1.8B for Span-France Bay of Biscay Interconnector
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has allocated $1.84 billion to finance the construction of the Bay of Biscay electricity interconnection between Spain and France.The EIB financing for the Bay of Biscay project takes the form of loans to Spanish and French transmission-system operators Red Eléctrica and RTE Réseau de transport d’électricité.Construction of the Bay of Biscay link is already under way by Inelfe – joint venture by RTE and Red Eléctrica, and it is due to become operational in 2028.The connection will link two alternating current systems via
Petrobras, TechnipFMC Kick Off Electric-Actuation Pilot in Brazil
TechnipFMC and Petrobras have agreed to test and monitor a new electric actuation technology that is set to join the TechnipFMC eSolutions portfolio of electrical subsea systems.Scheduled for integration into a subsea tree planned for installation in 2026, the technology leverages both companies’ strengths to push the boundaries of subsea innovation.Through the pilot project, the companies demonstrate their commitment to advancing and scaling subsea field electrification. The project is set to accelerate the development of subsea electrification technology towards an all-electric field.The
JDR Wraps Up Type Test Qualification of Next-Gen Offshore Wind Cables
JDR Cable Systems (JDR), part of the TFKable Group, has completed two new type test qualifications at 132kV for static and dynamic array cables, supporting the next generation of fixed and floating offshore wind projects.The successful testing marks a critical step in delivering U.K.-manufactured high-voltage cables, ready to support larger turbines and deliver power over longer distances, enabling more efficient and cost-effective offshore wind energy.JDR’s static cable development and testing was supported by a Development Grant from the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, and produced in
NKT Picks OSBIT to Deliver ‘World’s Most Powerful’ Subsea Trencher
Danish power cable maker and services provider NKT has commissioned OSBIT, a U.K.-based original equipment supplier, to design and build the NKT T3600, set to become the world’s most powerful subsea trencher.To meet the high demand for high-voltage power cables needed for renewable energy, NKT is investing in manufacturing and installation capabilities, including the NKT Eleonora, a new cable lay vessel that can lay heavier and longer-length power cables.NKT is now also investing in enhanced cable protection technology with the construction of the world’s most powerful subsea trencher
Scotland Launches Offshore Wind Consultation
Scottish government has launched a consultation on the updated draft marine plan to inform offshore wind developments in Scotland.The public consultation, running until August 22, 2025, is for a draft of the updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE), which aims to balance the needs of nature, communities and other users of the sea.Marine consultancy and survey company, ABPmer, was commissioned by Scottish government’s Offshore Wind Directorate to support the development of the SMP-OWE, leading delivery of plan-level environmental and socio-economic assessments. ABPmer’s
Fugro Expands Geotechnical Testing Capabilities in Indonesia
providing such services, we are committed to delivering high-quality Geo-data that will contribute to the success of our clients' projects in the region,” said Shalu Shajahan, Regional Director, Marine Site Characterisation Asia Pacific.With this addition, Fugro now operates four specialist offshore testing laboratories in the Asia Pacific region, including facilities in Australia, Singapore, and Taiwan
Norwegian Firms Form Subsea Distribution Alliance
Norwegian firms HTS Dynamics, Connector Subsea Solutions, and TESS Subsea have launched the Subsea Distribution Alliance, targeting complete control and unmatched performance across the entire subsea distribution value chain.The Subsea Distribution Alliance is built to keep subsea infrastructure flowing – from design to delivery.By uniting the product ownership of Connector Subsea Solutions, the manufacturing capabilities of HTS Dynamics, and the distribution expertise of TESS Subsea, the alliance will offer complete subsea solutions through one, streamlined partnership.Collectively, the members
ScottishPower, Oasis Marine Study Proves Feasibility of Offshore Charging
Offshore charging for both battery-powered crew transfer and service operation vessels could be on the horizon for windfarms of the future, according to two studies commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables.The two reports, by MJR Power & Automation and Oasis Marine, are the last in a series of three commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) to explore options for decarbonizing and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from offshore windfarm operations. The studies consolidated initial findings that the electrification of offshore operations was technically feasible using battery-powered
Aquaterra Energy to Deliver Well Services Work for North Sea CCS Project
Offshore engineering solutions provider Aquaterra Energy has secured two major contracts to support the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP), the CO2 transportation and storage provider for the East Coast Cluster.The project, which will initially serve three carbon capture projects in the Teesside region is the first offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in the U.K. to receive a carbon storage permit.The contracts were awarded following successful commercial and technical evaluations. The first will address the challenge of safely re-abandoning two legacy wells - a critical step in securing
TenneT Installs Giant HVDC Offshore Wind Converter Platform in North Sea
The DolWin epsilon HVDC offshore wind converter platform, part of German transmission system operator (TSO) TenneT’s grid expansion project, has been installed in the North Sea.The installation of DolWin epsilon HVDC platform at DolWin cluster the German North Sea follows the recent installation of BorWin epsilon platform, forming offshore grid connection systems, which are due to be commissioned in 2025.The DolWin epsilon was built by Seatrium, while Aibel and Hitachi Energy installed the final technical equipment, including the HVDC converter and transformers, prior to commissioning.The
Upscaling Power Subsea: Cables and Connectors
Cable and connector manufacturers are rushing to meet the growing demand for subsea cables and connectors as renewables upscale, but whether it’s renewables or oil and gas, there’s also growing demand for high-tech subsea communications.The export cables that bring offshore wind power to shore are already so massive that one meter of cable can weigh 300kg. Nexans had previously upscaled its production facilities to cater for increasing demand; now it is upscaling its HVDC cables, typically 400kV, to 525kV. The company will be supplying at least 10 of these cable systems to European grid
Shell Hires Subsea7 for Work at Aphrodite Development off Trinidad
Subsea 7 has secured a contract by Shell for the Aphrodite gas project offshore Trinidad and Tobago.The project involves the transportation and installation of subsea equipment at the Aphrodite development, located within Block 5a, at water depths of up to 290 meters.Project management and engineering activities will begin immediately at Subsea7's office in Houston, Texas, with offshore operations planned for 2027.The contract has been defined as sizeable, which for Subsea7 means its value ranges between $50 million and $150 million.To remind, early in June Shell reached the final investment
UK Firm Seeks Suppliers to Build Full-Scale Tidal Energy Prototype
Tidal Technologies Limited (TTL) has launched a procurement process for the equipment supply, manufacturing and installation of components for its first full-scale tidal energy prototype.The procurement process is for the build out of TTL’s next-generation offshore tidal stream energy platform (TT2).TT2 aims to drastically reduce the operation and maintenance costs of tidal turbines while improving efficiency in medium-energy tidesThe TT2 platform features a reinforced concrete Gravity Base Structure (GBS) supporting a steel superstructure and two vertical axis turbines.The design allows for
TGS Kicks Off 3D Seismic Survey for Floating Wind Farm
Norwegian seismic firm TGS has started a geophysical survey for the pioneering Green Volt floating offshore wind farm offshore Scotland.Mobilization initiated in Aberdeen last week and the work is scheduled throughout June will include an ultra-high resolution 3D (UHR3D) seismic survey used to deliver detailed subsurface data for the floating windfarm’s site characterization.Utilizing integrated Multibeam Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonar, Sub-bottom Profiler and Magnetometer sensors, the advanced survey will enhance geological understanding and provide critical insights for the project’s site
GHD Tackles Offshore Wind Noise Impacts with New Modelling Kit
Engineering specialist GHD has unveiled a new subsea noise modelling program designed to mitigate the environmental impacts of offshore wind farms.GHD's solution, the RAT (R Acoustics Toolbox), has been developed to address challenges related to underwater noise by providing a bespoke, web-based interface that utilizes existing algorithms in a customizable manner.Developed using R programming language, the RAT is said to enhance efficiency and accuracy in underwater noise modelling. The program automates processes such as transect generation and data handling, which were previously done manually
Sonardyne to Deliver Seabed Monitoring Kit for North Sea CCS Project
Sonardyne has secured a contract by the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) to deliver baseline environmental monitoring services for the U.K.’s first offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) site.Sonardyne will provide environmental monitoring, in the form of seabed landers, at key locations above and around the subsurface Endurance site - the saline aquifer located 145km off the coast of Teesside where captured CO2 will be stored.Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) is the developer of the onshore and offshore infrastructure needed to transport carbon dioxide (CO2) from carbon capture
Inyanga Hires Delivery Contractors for Welsh Tidal Energy Array
Inyanga Marine Energy Group has announced the winners of contracts to build its 20 MW HydroWing tidal energy array at Morlais off Anglesey in Wales.Inyanga has selected the contracts to deliver its tidal energy pilot project, which is planned for deployment in the first quarter of 2026.Hutchinson Engineering has already been announced as the company which will fabricate the foundation and rear nacelle.Aside from Hutchinson Engineering, Inyanga has hired PPI Engineering for the design and manufacture of the generator and generator housing, optimized to ensure efficient power generation.RMSpumptools has
Autonomous Drones Start Service Aker BP's at North Sea Platform
Aker Solutions has installed an autonomous drone system on Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform in the North Sea, enabling remote inspections from shore.The company recently completed the first offshore beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operation, piloted from its onshore control center in Stavanger. The inspection flight was carried out using an installed drone on Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform.The drone is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities and advanced sensors, collecting high-resolution imagery and data during its inspection rounds. The flight marks a major step
Fugro Lands Deepwater Gas Field Job in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia.The contract award represents the largest geotechnical and geophysical survey project for Fugro in the Asia Pacific region to date, reflecting the positive momentum of deepwater developments in the region.The complex project builds on a combination of Fugro’s onshore, nearshore and offshore geophysical and geotechnical survey services.Geo-data acquisition is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with fieldwork estimated to last approximately one year. Detailed testing and consulting deliverables will continue into 2027.Supporting site planning and engineering design, the
Survey Sequence Important to Predicting Underwater Landslides
Submarine landslides can hamper the productivity of offshore installations, but researchers at Texas A&M may now be able to accurately predict the occurrence of marine landslides using underwater site characterization data.Although data from personnel with different expertise are needed to tell the story of the land below the sea, the order in which they perform their tasks toward site characterization is important, says Zenon Medina-Cetina, associate professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. This sequence, if violated due to budgetary or time constraints, could lead to
Gazelle Secures Multi-Million Funding for Floating Wind Demo
the deployment of the demonstrator off the coast of Aguçadoura.Gazelle Gets Clearance for Floating Wind Demonstrator off Portugal“Having the support of such a respected institutional investor is a meaningful vote of confidence in our floating wind platform and its potential to help unlock offshore wind at a global scale. We’re truly grateful for their trust in our team and their belief in our mission to drive the future of floating wind energy forward,” Gazelle said in a statement
Island Frontier MSV Wraps Up West Africa Campaign for Oceaneering
Island Frontier multi-service vessel (MSV), owned by Island Offshore, has completed another campaign in West Africa for Oceaneering, ahead of embarking on a new project in the region.As part of the campaign, Island Frontier MSV delivered spool-piece installation and light construction work for Oceaneering.The vessel is now preparing for its next project in the region and is expected to return to the North Sea in August, according to the U.S.-based subsea services and technology firm.Delivered in 2003, Island Frontier is a 106-meters long vessel suitable for subsea construction and equipment installation
Wales Tidal Energy Project Moves Ahead
Inyanga Marine Energy Group awarded the fabrication contract to build its HydroWing tidal energy device to Hutchinson Engineering.The 20 MW HydroWing tidal energy array will be deployed at Morlais off Anglesey in Wales, one of the largest consented tidal energy projects in Europe. The contract with Hutchinson Engineering covers the fabrication of the foundation frame and the rear nacelle, including welding, painting and coating to a specification capable of withstanding the harsh underwater environment. The foundation frame will weigh 120 tons, with an energy yield of 1.2 MW from
February 2025
