Following in the wake of Seabed Intelligence Report’s (SIR) for UK Celtic Sea, Irish Celtic Sea and Portugal Atlantic, Global Maritime’s Geosciences department – “GM Geo” - has launched a geological, geohazard and geotechnical desktop study covering up to 6GW of offshore wind lease areas in the Gulf of Bothnia, offshore Finland which are expected to be subject to competitive leasing early in 2025.
The SIR covers all 8 of the prospective leasing areas; Ebba, Närpiö, Hailuoto, Siikajoki, Kristiinankaupunki, Pietsaari, Luoto and Uusikarlepyy. The SIR is a valuable source of information for developers with existing project boundaries in early development and for those seeking to identify preferential areas in the upcoming Gulf of Bothnia leasing process.
The SIR investigates seabed conditions across the area of search, identifying principal strata and the suitability/risk implications for the development of offshore wind farms whilst subdividing the area of search into provinces of similar geological and geotechnical conditions to be considered in the development and engineering process. Qualitative assessments of risk for different subsea infrastructure are made, and outline risk mitigations provided. The study also considers the implications of existing marine traffic, seabed wrecks, infrastructure, environmental designations and other marine uses on the siting and development of offshore wind projects.
Within the detailed SIR are a series of maps presenting spatial information and interpretation of conditions across the continental shelf.
Gareth Ellery, Director of Geosciences, commented, "The picture around leasing offshore Finland is clearing with the anticipated enactment of an Economic Zone Offshore Wind Power Act in January 2025. This important step then clears the way for leasing processes which are anticipated to commence directly afterwards. Following the success of previous SIR’s, Global Maritime have acted once again to provide early seabed intelligence to developers interested in the Finnish offshore wind, and to accelerate the development of offshore wind in an interesting new market."
Jordan Geear, Global Business Lead Engineering Geology, commented, "Global Maritime’s Finland SIR provides a wealth of information on marine activities, seabed constraints and ground conditions for key prospective offshore wind power areas within the Gulf of Bothnia. Understanding potential seabed and geo-constraints within these areas, including those associated with potentially complex, glaciogenic ground conditions, will be essential to inform early risk management for these sites. In addition, an early understanding of potential foundation suitability will assist in achieving Finland’s goal of 6.5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030."
Parties interested in acquiring our Gulf of Bothnia SIR should contact Gareth Ellery and Jordan Geear: gareth.ellery@globalmaritime.com; jordan.geear@globalmaritime.com.
About Global Maritime
Global Maritime is a marine, offshore and engineering consultancy that specializes in marine warranty, dynamic positioning and engineering services. Known for innovation, practical experience, operational excellence, & safety.
Founded in 1979, Global Maritime’s services span the entire offshore project lifecycle from engineering & design, construction and third party verification through to marine warranty surveying, dynamic positioning, installation, risk management and decommissioning.
