Global Maritime Geosciences Launches Irish Celtic Sea Seabed Intelligence Report

Following the success of the UK Celtic Sea Seabed Intelligence Report (SIR), Global Maritime’s Geosciences department, GM Geo, has launched a geological, geohazard and geotechnical desktop study covering the Irish Celtic Sea.

The SIR is a valuable source of information for developers with existing project boundaries in early development and for those seeking to identify preferential areas in the Irish Celtic Sea to progress towards Maritime Area Consent in Phase 2.

The SIR investigates seabed conditions across the area of search, identifying principal strata and the suitability/risk implications for the development of floating offshore wind farms whilst subdividing the area of search into provinces of similar geological and geotechnical conditions to be considered in the development and engineering process. Qualitative assessments of risk for different subsea infrastructure are made, and outline risk mitigations provided. The study also considers the implications of existing marine traffic, seabed wrecks, infrastructure, environmental designations and other marine uses on the siting and development of offshore wind projects.

Accompanying the detailed SIR are a series of maps and drawings presenting spatial information and interpretation of conditions across the continental shelf.

Gareth Ellery, Director of Geosciences at Global Maritime, commented: “Ireland’s 7GW offshore wind ambition requires that further project areas are developed, and the Celtic Sea is a great location in terms of resource and constraints. Following the success of our initial SIR product and our live projects in Ireland, we’re pleased to be further supporting Ireland’s offshore wind journey with this latest SIR. Being proactive in this manner means that our clients can have access to high quality seabed intelligence to inform their leasing and development approach, whilst saving huge amounts of time and expense in the conventional RfP procurement process.”

Michele Martins, Global Maritime’s Geophysical Lead, commented: “The acceleration of the Irish offshore wind industry presents great opportunity, but identifying suitable lease areas remains key with high constraints on the east coast and difficult metocean and seabed conditions on the west. The Celtic Sea has great potential but there is a significant degree of variability in geological conditions and some substantial risks which must be carefully considered by developers. Our study gives our clients the insight to make that possible.”

Parties interested in acquiring our Irish Celtic Sea SIR should contact Gareth Ellery: gareth.ellery@globalmaritime.com.