US hydro survey expertise for French windfarm project

Zupt will develop, source, integrate and operate a complex sensor suite on a large subsea template to tackle the challenges of the development and support the installation of fixed wind turbine monopiles in shallow subsea terrains.

”The significance of this project isn’t solely the magnitude of installing numerous offshore wind turbines but in Zupt’s ability to solve complex problems through innovative approaches and technical expertise,” the company said in a statement on its website.

”While the project’s commencement is scheduled for later in 2024, the detailed planning and preparation highlight the complexity involved in such offshore projects. With Zupt’s leading expertise and experience, this project sets a benchmark for efficient, precise and innovative offshore windfarm installations.”

Complex project

Due to the difficult geophysical terrain, the project will begin with drilling ten metre wide sockets into the seabed, which are then filled with sand to establish a consistent foundation prior to the monopile installation.

A custom 20-metre tall subsea template will then positioned directly atop the sand-filled sockets in absolute space, serving as the base through which the monopiles will be inserted.

Zupt will integrate a complex sensor suite onto the subsea template to monitor and ensure precise positioning and attitude of the large-diameter monopiles during installation.

The template used will be relocated and utilised for every monopile installation, with the sensors permanently fixed. This sensor suite contains over 40 advanced sensors, including cameras, lights, acoustic and mechanical proximity sensors, GNSS, multiplexors and inertial measurement units, all connected to the surface via a 10GB network architecture.

These sensors will be strategically placed across the template and accompanying software will be supplied to facilitate real-time structure monitoring and precise control.

Zupt’s development of proprietary sensors placed across the template makes this project unique and cutting-edge. While incorporating some off-the-shelf components, the project primarily features custom-designed sensors such as cameras, lights, mechanical proximity sensors and a specialised MUX system. 

The company will be actively engaged throughout the project lifecycle, from the initial engineering phases, installation onto the template and monitoring offshore operations firsthand. 

Zupt provides provide offshore services with personnel and equipment to perform a variety of offshore marine construction survey projects.

The company works worldwide with content partners in West Africa and the UK. It has performed marine construction survey work in the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, West Africa (Ghana, Congo, Nigeria, Angola), Australia, South America and the Bahamas, working off of survey vessels, platforms, or rigs.