Seabed survey unlocks insights for floating offshore projects in Portugal

(offshore-energy.biz) A geophysical and geotechnical survey conducted offshore Viana do Castelo by Portugal’s WavEC Offshore Renewables has provided data on the seabed’s characteristics, supporting the development of floating offshore renewable energy projects. 

The study, carried out within the Technological Free Zone (ZLT), is part of the EU-SCORES initiative and was commissioned by WavEC to Instituto Hidrográfico – Marinha Portuguesa.

According to WavEC, the survey, executed in two phases, aims to enhance understanding of the seabed’s physical and geotechnical properties to inform engineering and deployment strategies for floating offshore wind, wave energy, and offshore solar technologies. 

The first phase focused on seabed geomorphology, sedimentary layer composition, and overall seafloor characteristics.

“The findings reveal a sedimentary morphology and structure shaped by the unique geological setting and dominant oceanographic conditions,” said WavEC. 

“The unconsolidated sedimentary cover is largely uniform, comprising two main sedimentary units resting on a rocky substrate that outcrops intermittently in the southwest corner of the survey area. This composition illustrates the dynamic interaction between sediment deposition and geological formations, offering essential insights for offshore engineering applications.”

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