MMT awarded framework survey contract by Centrica

Centrica Energy Renewable Investments Ltd has recently been successful in The Crown Estate's Round Three offshore wind tendering process and has been awarded exclusive rights to develop the Irish Sea zone, which is located 15 kilometres off the coast of Anglesey, Wales. The 2 200km2 area provides Centrica potential to develop up to an additional 4.2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy. It could provide enough power for over three million homes.

The survey work to map the seabed in high-resolution, has recently commenced with MMT Survey vessel Franklin. The vessel is fully equipped for both geophysical and biological mapping and will conduct all aspects of the work. The survey campaign will stretch over a 6 month long time period and will include detailed investigations of the entire 2 200 km2 area. 

MMT Survey vessel Franklin

The following main techniques will be used during the 6 month long survey campaign:
• Multi-beam echo sounder to create detailed 3D models
  of the seafloor
• Side scan sonar for objects detection and for surficial
  geology mapping
• Sub-bottom profilers to map the soil strata
• Magnetometers for detection of metallic objects
• Seabed sampling for geological and benthic analysis
• Water sampling for determination of the water quality
  and sediment concentrations
• Under water video cameras to map sediment types
  and biological features
• Laboratory work for benthic analysis will be conducted
  onboard the survey vessel

The results will be compiled into a high-resolution GIS database covering the complete 2 200 km2 large area.

More information regarding Centrica can be found at www.centricaenergy.com/renewables

Questions are answered by:
Olof Nilsson, CMO