Fugro has started geotechnical survey work for Berwick Bank B, the 1.4 GW second phase of the wider Berwick Bank offshore wind development in Scotland.
The work is being carried out under a contract awarded by SSE Renewables. Berwick Bank B forms part of the planned 4.1 GW project in the outer Firth of Forth, off the East Lothian coast.
The full Berwick Bank development is planned across three phases. If completed in full, the project could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm and generate enough electricity for more than six million homes each year.
SSE Renewables secured a Contract for Difference for the 1.4 GW Berwick Bank B project in the UK’s Allocation Round 7 earlier this year.
Under the contract, Fugro will conduct geotechnical investigations to support fixed-bottom turbine foundation design. Boreholes will be drilled up to 50 m below the seabed to collect soil and rock samples for engineering analysis.
The campaign is being performed by Fugro Quest and Fugro Zenith, using specialist coring and conventional sampling methods suited to the seabed conditions. Fugro said the award continues its work on Berwick Bank, where it has been carrying out survey activity since 2019.
SSE Renewables said the start of the geotechnical campaign is an important step for foundation design and supports a disciplined approach to project risk reduction as Berwick Bank B moves toward a final investment decision.
In January, SSE Renewables said it expected to reach a final investment decision for Berwick Bank B in 2027. The remaining two phases are available for future auction rounds.
