Dedicated to driving the energy transition, we are actively involved in progressing development of Nederwiek Wind Farm Zone Site I, located 90 km off the Netherlands coast.
This project underpins our commitment to supporting the Dutch Government’s ambitious offshore wind power targets. By leveraging advanced digital tools, we are creating a fully integrated ground model to minimise uncertainty in ground conditions, enabling prospective developers to bid on the site with greater confidence.
Multidisciplinary site characterisation
Complex integrated ground modelling for offshore wind sites relies on multiple specialist disciplines. Working in close collaboration with our expert project partners SolidGround, Inosys, BGS and RockWave, the team supported the collection of extensive geotechnical investigations and an associated laboratory campaign. Our collaborative approach used innovative and data-driven seismic inversion techniques that can predict geotechnical parameters anywhere on the site.The project results for the geological ground model are now online, with the GIR & IGM following later in 2025. A webinar will compliment report & data outputs.
Seismic inversion for marine site characterisation
Seismic inversion has been used for years to analyse subsurface rock properties for oil and gas reservoirs located more than 1,000 metres below the seabed. Recently, it has become a valuable tool for understanding soil and rock conditions in the upper 100 metres, crucial for designing offshore structures. This is due to advances in ultra-high-resolution seismic data, which offer greater accuracy and detail. By combining seismic data with physical samples, this method gives a clear, continuous picture of the soil, allowing the identification of soil types, rock layers and hazards. For offshore wind projects, this improves site planning, reduces risk and speeds up the design process, enabling the transition to clean energy and more efficient use of large development areas.
3D ground models
A key component of the Integrated Ground Model (IGM) is the ability to visualise the subsurface of an offshore wind farm in 3D. This helps engineers understand how soil layers and geological features are distributed across the site, making it easier to design foundations, plan cable routes and understand the entire site, including where equipment such as jack-up platforms can be safely placed. For Nederwiek Site I, the 3D model combines data from physical soil samples with predicted information from advanced seismic techniques, creating a detailed and complete picture of the area.
At Arup, we actively promote collaboration and knowledge sharing to shape a better world. By working together across multi-disciplines with specialist partners, we can drive the energy transition forward, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for all.
If you'd like to speak to one of our energy experts about any of the issues raised on this page or a potential collaboration then please get in touch by completing the form.
