The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany (BSH) has awarded Fugro a multi-year framework contract to conduct geotechnical research in the North Sea. Fieldwork is set to commence in March 2027.
Contract Details
This contract includes the collection of geotechnical data using specialized drilling vessels and cone penetration tests (CPT) on the seabed, as well as laboratory tests on the collected samples. As a reference contractor, BSH can order services under this framework from the date of contract award.
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Testing Locations
Fugro will conduct laboratory work at its facilities in Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. The program for this research will be executed through the company's marine operations in the Netherlands and Germany. The company has stated that preparations for the program are currently underway.
This research will provide information about seabed and subsurface conditions to assist in project planning and reduce development risks. The data and laboratory results will be used by future developers of offshore wind energy during the bidding and development stages.
Fugro's Previous Experience
Fugro previously conducted a similar multi-year geotechnical research program for BSH after securing a contract in 2021. This work also included areas for offshore wind energy development in the North Sea of Germany and involved data collection from geotechnical drilling vessels and seabed testing, followed by laboratory testing and reporting.
The company has also undertaken site characterization work for offshore wind energy development in Germany. In 2023, BSH awarded Fugro a contract for a geophysical survey for two areas in Germany's exclusive economic zone, and in 2025, the company secured geophysical and geotechnical research contracts for the RWE and TotalEnergies projects at Windbostel Ost and Windbostel West.
The new framework contract in Germany has recently been announced following Fugro's contract with Cadeler to conduct post-installation seabed surveys at the 960 MW East Anglia Two offshore wind farm in the UK.
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