The American company TDI-Brooks has completed a large-scale research campaign offshore New York and New Jersey. Between January 2023 and February 2024, the company conducted an extensive site survey program at two offshore wind farms in state and federal waters.
TDI-Brooks performed various tasks such as geophysical surveys, detailed UHRS surveys, archaeological identification surveys, light geotechnical coring and seabed sampling at various stages.
These projects include the survey of more than 20,000 linear kilometers of simulated single- and multi-channel seismic leases and cable lines along the coast of New York and New Jersey.
The goal, determined from the collected data, is to assess the condition of the seabed and seabed, which may include potential risks (geological hazards or man-made hazards) that could affect the future installation of wind turbines and subsea cables.
TDI-Brooks operated three research vessels, namely the R/V BROOKS McCALL, R/V MISS EMMA McCALL and M/V MARCELLE BORDELON.
The geotechnical investigation involved 150 Pneumatic Vibratory Cores (PVCs) and over 150 Neptune 5K Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs) collected from the lease area and the Offshore Cable Track (OCR).
Combined with the investigation of several exit cable routes, a reconnaissance survey was carried out covering the entire leased area with survey lines spaced at 150 meter intervals, followed by a more detailed archaeological survey at 30 meter intervals.
Geodetic sensors used include Dual Beam Multibeam Sonar, Side Scan Sonar, Seafloor Profiler, UHRS Seismic, Single Channel Seismic Instrument and Transverse Gradiometer (TVG).
The survey covered two main areas. The first area involves measuring changes in water depth and slopes, studying morphology (the composition and lithology of seabed formations depending on the local geology), identifying any natural or man-made obstructions on or below the seabed such as rock outcrops, channels, depressions, features gaseous liquid, debris (natural or man-made), debris, industrial structures, cables, etc.
The second focus is on assessing the shallow water geological hazards that may impact these areas, as well as future deep geotechnical investigations within 100 meters of the seafloor.
TDI-Brooks said data collection plays a vital role in determining the optimal location and design of offshore projects such as wind farms.
In February 2023, the company reported that it had won a contract for geophysical, geotechnical surveys and seabed sampling to study seabed conditions within the project lease area and potential export cable routes off the US East Coast.
In other news from TDI-Brooks, the company’s new research vessel, RV Nautilus, arrived on the US East Coast in March after being refurbished. The vessel will conduct offshore wind operations there.
Damen Shipyards works with operators in the marine energy industry around the world. The knowledge and experience gained through close collaboration and long-term collaboration has resulted in the creation of a strong portfolio of small and medium-sized vessels that meet the full marine life cycle with a focus on renewable energy. Standardized design with modular components provides proven […]