Forward Scouting: Use of SPI in Conjunction with MBES for Offshore Wind Cable Routes and Site Characterization

Selection of cable routes and wind turbine site assessments for offshore energy projects in the oftencomplex geology of the North American Atlantic coast entails very high risks for developers as well as state agencies: limited desktop data, patchy distribution of critical or sensitive habitats, and use conflicts, are a sampling of the risks encountered. The costs required to conduct multi-disciplined geophysical spreads including weather delays during marine mammal transit windows does not support exploring multiple or alternative routes. A novel approach was developed by Fugro and INSPIRE Environmental to reduce the risks and costs of required geophysical and benthic assessment surveys for offshore wind projects.