Zupt to Support Install of Wind Turbine Monopiles off France
Zupt LLC, known for its advanced surveying services and technologies within the oil and gas industry, has been venturing into the renewables market and has now been awarded its first major offshore wind farm development project from a Tier 1 energy contractor off the northwest coast of France. Zupt will work alongside the contractor as an integrated subcontractor, providing instrumentation and survey support during the installation of wind turbine monopiles throughout the project.
This project involves installing monopiles in a difficult geophysical area, which requires a subsea template. Zupt will integrate a complex sensor suite to position the subsea template and monitor the large-diameter monopiles as they are installed through the template.
Zupt will provide over 40 sensors, including cameras, lights, acoustic and mechanical proximity sensors, GNSS, multiplexors, and inertial measurement units, all connected to the surface via a 10-GB network architecture. These sensors will be strategically placed across the template used in the installation process to monitor and ensure precise positioning and attitude while the monopiles are driven into the seabed. Many of these sensors will be custom-designed, manufactured and tested by Zupt for this specific project.
Beyond the provision of sensors, Zupt has been contracted to provide project management, continuous engineering development and on-site operational personnel throughout the monopile installations. The company’s role extends from development to operational phases, ensuring a seamless integration of innovative technology.
The monopile installations are set to commence later this year, and Zupt is preparing for a comprehensive factory acceptance test in Houston, followed by a systems acceptance test at the client’s fabrication yard.