Fugro has signed a seven-year framework agreement with EirGrid, Ireland’s state-owned electricity transmission operator, to deliver comprehensive Geo-data services for a major offshore grid development project along Ireland’s south coast.
The “Powering Up Offshore – South Coast” initiative will play a critical role in enabling future offshore wind farms to connect to Ireland’s electricity grid. Through this framework, Fugro will conduct extensive geophysical, geotechnical, and environmental surveys—producing the data and insights needed for safe, efficient, and environmentally sensitive development of offshore transmission infrastructure.
The project aims to establish offshore substations and export cable corridors to link wind energy generation off the south coast to the mainland. Operations are expected to begin in July 2025, starting with geophysical and environmental surveys that will inform optimal routing and engineering decisions.
“We’re proud to support EirGrid in delivering critical infrastructure for Ireland’s offshore energy future,” said John ten Hoope, Fugro’s Regional Business Line Director for Marine Site Characterisation Europe and Africa. “By providing end-to-end Geo-data solutions delivered efficiently through our advanced technologies and local collaborations, we are setting the foundation for safe, sustainable, and accelerated offshore wind development along the south coast.”
Under the framework, Fugro will provide a full range of data services including desktop studies, acoustic seabed mapping, sediment sampling, benthic habitat analysis, and borehole geotechnical investigations. These efforts will culminate in an integrated ground model—a vital tool for EirGrid in planning and engineering subsea cable routes and substation locations.
This ground model will help identify geological hazards, define soil properties, and support the design of foundations and cable burial solutions, all while reducing risks related to constructability, cost, and environmental impact. It also enables more accurate tendering processes for future engineering contractors.
The scope of work spans four geographically diverse zones: onshore, intertidal, nearshore, and offshore. To navigate these complex environments, Fugro will mobilize a fleet of specialized assets, including the vessels Fugro Seeker and Kommander Iona, along with jack-up platforms for shallow water work.
Fugro is also partnering with local Irish suppliers to carry out supporting activities such as aerial drone operations, metocean data collection, and stakeholder engagement services—enhancing both the accuracy of the Geo-data and the project’s alignment with local knowledge and expertise.
All data generated will be delivered via Fugro’s proprietary VirGeo® cloud platform, which offers real-time, secure access to project insights for all stakeholders. This digital solution improves communication and coordination between contractors, clients, and regulators throughout the life of the project.
The Irish Government has committed to generating 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, including 5 GW of offshore wind capacity. Realizing this target depends not only on the development of wind farms but also on robust subsea transmission links to bring clean energy ashore and into the national grid. The EirGrid framework with Fugro directly supports this goal by de-risking early-stage development of grid infrastructure.
The announcement comes as offshore wind momentum continues across the North Atlantic. Ireland’s south coast has been identified as a high-potential zone due to its favorable wind conditions and proximity to planned wind farm zones. Establishing cable corridors and substations early allows for streamlined integration of multiple wind farm projects in the future.
With offshore grid development now firmly in motion, the collaboration between Fugro and EirGrid is expected to be a linchpin in Ireland’s journey toward climate-neutral electricity.
