Modus Checks Gwynt y Môr Inter-Array Cable Routes

Modus Seabed Intervention has completed a high speed bathymetric and depth of burial survey of the inter-array cable routes at the Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm.

The 160-turbine offshore wind farm, operated by innogy, comprises 161 inter-array cables totaling some 147 kilometres in length.

To carry out the depth of burial survey at the wind farm site in Liverpool Bay, built in water depths from 12 metres to 28 metres, Modus chartered the DP2 vessel Noordhoek Pathfinder, from which it deployed its HAUV-2 (Hybrid Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) equipped with Optimal Ranging Orion Cable Tracking System and dual head R2Sonic 2024 Multibeam Echosounder.

“Despite the high currents experienced, survey speeds achieved were approximately four times faster than incumbent ROV based solutions”, the company said.

This work was critical for the operation and maintenance of the offshore wind farm, Modus stated, adding that those working on the project adopted the highest standard of hygiene and cleanliness and followed government guidelines to fight the spread of COVID-19 at all times.

Gwynt y Môr features 160 Siemens Gamesa 3.6 MW wind turbines, installed approximately 13 kilometres off the coast of North Wales.

Operational since 2015, the 576 MW offshore wind farm generates enough renewable electricity to meet the equivalent needs of approximately 400,000 average UK homes.

The wind farm is owned by innogy (50%), Stadtwerke München (30%), and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) (20%).