Seismic Clarity: De-Risking Offshore Wind with Next Generation Site Assessment

Are hidden subsurface risks threatening your offshore wind projects timeline and budget? As projects grow in size and complexity, developers require more than just basic seabed maps; they need multi-layered subsurface insight to navigate development with confidence.

A groundbreaking shift in site characterization is underway, led by ultra-high-resolution 3D (UHR3D) seismic technology. In a recent interview with PES Wind, Gunhild Myhr, Vice President of Business Development & Sales at TGS, explained how this approach is helping developers minimize risks, reduce costs, and accelerate timelines.

A Leap in Data Clarity with the Ramform Vanguard

At the heart of this shift is the TGS-operated Ramform Vanguard, a state-of-the-art seismic vessel specifically designed for these operations. Its deployment in the North Sea marks a pivotal moment, converging cutting-edge geophysical technology with the urgency of the offshore wind transition. The vessel’s innovative design ensures exceptional stability, which is critical for acquiring high-quality UHR3D data.

Key capabilities include:

• Speed and Scale: The Vanguard acquires vast amounts of data quickly, safely, and accurately, which is a competitive edge for time sensitive projects.
• High Resolution: It combines broad bandwidth with massive streamer spreads to map large areas with high vertical resolution.
• Hazard Identification: The ultra high resolution data helps pinpoint shallow geohazards like gas pockets and buried boulders.

Reducing Risk Where It Matters Most

UHR3D seismic data directly targets the most risk-sensitive and capital intensive parts of project development: foundations and cable routing.

• Foundation Design: Foundations account for a significant portion of CAPEX and construction risk. UHR3D provides high-resolution data on shallow geology and sediment layering, allowing engineers to tailor foundation types to actual soil conditions and reduce the risk of overengineering. This clarity can prevent issues with piling or suction caissons caused by undetected shallow gas pockets.
• Cable Routing: For critical and vulnerable subsea cables, UHR3D supports route planning by identifying buried obstacles like boulders, wrecks, and UXO. It also maps seafloor variability and small scale faulting that could increase burial risk.

The End-to-End Advantage: From Data to Decision

TGS offers acquisition, imaging, and interpretation as a fully integrated package, which transforms how developers plan, decide, and execute projects. This end to end approach simplifies logistics, reduces lead times, and provides a competitive advantage. With de-risked site profiles, developers can submit stronger bids, get a head start on engineering, and be in a better position to secure financing.

The Future is Integrated and Precise

As offshore wind expands into deeper, more challenging environments, the need for precision is only growing. UHR3D is evolving to meet this demand, becoming more integrated and indispensable. By combining UHR3D with other data sources through AI driven interpretation, engineers can make confident, data driven decisions. Precision subsurface insight is no longer optional its foundational to the pace, certainty, and success of the energy transition.

Discover more about this groundbreaking approach to site characterization: www.tgs.com