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WSP experts spend time at sea investigating Australia’s offshore wind project

WSP geotechnical experts spent a combined total of five weeks in Bass Strait investigating site conditions for Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project – Star of the South. 

Ray Maujean – Associate Geotechnical Engineer, Sean Bartlett – Geotechnical Engineer, and Lawrence Hanson – Senior Civil Engineer, spent time aboard the Fugro Mariner investigating the seabed off the coast of Victoria’s Gippsland region within Star of the South’s 2019 Exploration Licence Area.

WSP is proud to be part of this first geotechnical investigation for Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project, which has the potential to generate up to 2.2 GW of new capacity, supplying around 20 per cent of Victoria's energy needs and powering the equivalent of 1.2 million homes across the state.

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WSP’s experts served as client representatives and were responsible for ensuring that all data acquired throughout the investigation was of a high standard and met the design team’s requirements. We were also responsible for communications between the project’s onshore team and the project team on the Fugro Mariner. This included communicating changes to scope, environmental and/or safety aspects related to the project, and reporting on weather conditions and sea states that may impact the operability of the vessel.

Ray says, “We were basically the eyes and ears for the onshore project team, so it was critical that we relied on our expertise and good communication skills.”

“It was fantastic being onboard the vessel working amongst a technically excellent team who were absolutely committed to the safe delivery of the project,” says Lawrence. 


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Geotechnical investigation vital for turbine design and placement

For this project, the purpose of the geotechnical investigation was to acquire cone penetration testing (CPT) data and seabed samples for testing. We investigated 22 locations within the Exploration Licence Area, with water depths ranging between 20 to 50 metres.

This investigation builds understanding of the composition and potential behaviour of the seabed in the proposed offshore wind location. On the basis of this understanding, Star of the South can design a proposed turbine foundation and layout to suit local conditions.

Soil samples from up to 70 metres beneath the seabed were acquired, analysed on board, and packed in tubes for further classification and advanced soil testing onshore. The samples were acquired metre by metre. A large frame was lowered to the seabed, a drill pipe ran from the ship to the frame, and sampling tools were lowered down using a winch wire. 


Leading project shapes Australia’s energy future

If approved and constructed, it is anticipated that Star of the South will have a significant impact on Victoria's energy sector, boosting low-emissions clean energy generation.

“Although away from all the comforts of home, it was all worth it for a project that is shaping Australia’s energy future,” says Sean. “This project is a huge step forward for the offshore wind industry,” he says, “especially because it was safely executed and completed within the time allocated.” 

Lawrence has been involved with the Star of the South since late 2021 as civil lead for the project’s onshore transmission system. He says, “The relationships we have built over the years working closely with members of the team have helped make WSP a trusted consultant for this valued client.”

“The hard work of every party involved has set an excellent standard for future offshore wind investigations. Being involved in this offshore geotechnical investigation has been an exciting and rewarding experience, and it is an important milestone for the project and for the industry.”

Ray rates his involvement in the project as a career highlight. “I am extremely fortunate to be part of Australia’s most advanced offshore windfarm project,” he says. “Offshore wind has been a long time coming in Australia and Star of the South is just the start of the offshore wind boom in Australia.” 

 

Read more about the Star of the South project here. 

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