New Fugro windfarm drill

The T120 means Fugro will have two drills capable of relief drilling piles of over 6m diameter simultaneously.

“Our drilling rigs and associated equipment are custom built with specific markets and projects in mind,” said Alun Jones of Fugro Seacore.

“We are constantly seeking to expand the parameters of drilling technology and enjoy rising to challenges, such as recently completing a 6.5m diameter by 63m deep shaft – the largest drilled marine socket in the world,” he added.

A range of other downhole equipment is being produced to meet the needs of the offshore wind market.

The latest drill bit is designed for up to 7m diameter and is ready for deployment at Westermost Rough offshore windfarm. It will enable relief drilling services on 6.5m monopiles where boulders or harder ground may be encountered.

For the same project Fugro Seacore has also designed a new conductor (the lattice structure under the drill) so that equipment can be stored vertically, saving valuable deck space, and installed quickly as a single unit onto the pile.