Fugro has been awarded a significant site characterisation contract for a wind farm development off the coast of Murakami and Tainai in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. This ambitious project is being spearheaded by a consortium comprising RWE, Mitsui, and Osaka Gas, aiming to bolster Japan’s offshore wind capacity and contribute to its carbon neutrality goals by 2050.
The offshore wind farm project, situated on Japan’s west coast, will benefit from Fugro’s expertise in Geo-data. This data will be instrumental in the detailed design of the turbine foundations and cable routes, ensuring the infrastructure’s stability and efficiency. Fieldwork commenced in May 2024, utilizing Fugro’s jack-up platform, the Amberjack, alongside two of its vessels, the Equator and the Mariner. These vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art geophysical, geotechnical, and positioning systems, all proprietary to Fugro, designed to gather comprehensive Geo-data critical for the project’s success.
Jerry Paisley, Fugro’s Regional Sales Director, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Fugro has been established in Japan for more than 30 years, and RWE is a key global client of ours. So we’re pleased that RWE, Mitsui & Co., and Osaka Gas have chosen us to deliver this important Japanese wind farm project, which will contribute to the country’s commitment to expand offshore wind capacity as part of its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050,” he stated.
This project not only underscores Fugro’s longstanding presence in Japan but also highlights its pivotal role in advancing renewable energy initiatives worldwide. The detailed Geo-data collected will enable the consortium to design robust foundations and efficient cable routes, ensuring the wind farm’s long-term success and sustainability.
The collaboration between Fugro and the consortium of RWE, Mitsui, and Osaka Gas represents a significant step forward in Japan’s renewable energy sector. By leveraging Fugro’s extensive experience and cutting-edge technology, this project aims to set a new benchmark in offshore wind farm development, aligning with global trends towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
This initiative is a clear testament to the growing emphasis on renewable energy in Japan and the collaborative efforts needed to achieve such ambitious goals. With Fugro at the helm of site characterisation, the offshore wind farm project is poised to make a substantial impact on Japan’s energy landscape, paving the way for a greener future.
