As part of a major step forward in renewable energy development, RWE and Masdar have officially launched extensive geophysical surveys for the ambitious Dogger Bank South offshore wind farm project. TGS commenced the essential geophysical work across both DBS East and West sites on March 27, 2025, with a notice to mariners issued regarding ongoing operations in the area.
Situated 122 kilometers off England’s northeast coast, the Dogger Bank South project spans two distinct sites with a combined capacity of 3GW—enough to power approximately 3 million UK homes. The strategic location in the shallow waters of the North Sea’s Dogger Bank region offers exceptional wind conditions while minimizing visual impact on coastal communities.
I’ve tracked similar offshore developments, but few match this project’s scale and ambition.
Following the geophysical survey launch, Fugro will deploy multiple vessels for detailed geotechnical investigations beginning mid-May 2025. The survey work will specifically focus on the eastern array of the wind farms, as specified in Fugro’s contract. These vessels will conduct cone penetration tests, vibrocore sampling, and borehole drilling to gather essential subsurface data. This information will directly inform foundation design, cable routing, and platform placement decisions—all crucial elements for constructing robust offshore infrastructure.
The project’s regulatory process continues in parallel with these survey activities. After submitting their Development Consent Order application on June 12, 2024, RWE and Masdar have progressed to the examination phase, which began January 14, 2025. Virtual hearings are scheduled for April 7-11, covering compulsory acquisition and specific technical issues.
Environmental responsibility remains central to the development approach. Thorough environmental studies were completed prior to the consent application, with survey activities designed to minimize marine ecosystem impacts.
The data collection effort represents a foundational step in implementing this massive renewable energy project responsibly.
With geophysical work underway and geotechnical surveys imminent, Dogger Bank South exemplifies the meticulous planning required for next-generation offshore wind developments. The specialized vessel Ramform Vanguard will conduct the seismic surveys with support from the MV Karelle scout vessel until late May 2025. The pioneering project marks another significant advance in the UK’s renewable energy evolution.
