Video: Offshore Wind Development - The Importance of Soil Investigations

Ground composition matters everywhere – but even more so in offshore wind. Wind parks in the open sea require a precise understanding of subsurface conditions before any foundation can be designed. That is why Luxcara’s Waterekke Offshore Wind Project, located approximately 120 kilometers off the German North Sea coast, is carrying out detailed geotechnical investigations as a key step in the project’s development.

In the port of Beverwijk, just outside Amsterdam, the geotechnical vessel Geoquip Silvretta is preparing to mobilize. It is one of three offshore geotechnical investigation vessels assigned to collect detailed seabed data for nearly 100 wind turbine locations.

When operational, the Waterekke wind farm will provide 1.5 GW of clean energy, supplying clean electricity to an estimated 1.7 million households across Germany. The soil investigation campaign forms the foundation for safe and efficient offshore construction.

Why Geotechnical Investigation Is Critical in Offshore Wind Projects

Understanding seabed conditions is one of the most important early-stage steps in offshore wind development. High-quality geological and geotechnical data directly influence:

• Foundation design for offshore wind turbines
• Installation feasibility in the German North Sea
• Operational safety and long term performance
• Cost-effective engineering decisions

To ensures safe, compliant, and efficient work throughout the investigation campaign, the whole project team needs to be aligned on:

• Scope of the geotechnical campaign
• Key operational and logistical milestones
• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) guidelines
• Coordination between onshore engineering teams and offshore crews

How Offshore Soil Data Is Collected for the Waterekke Site

Each turbine position within the Waterekke project area undergoes detailed testing to capture the unique geological conditions of the German North Sea seabed. The offshore teams collect data on:

• Soil layering
• Soil strength and deformability
• Pore pressure responses
• Sediment type and consistency

Maintaining accurate vessel positioning during these operations is essential. Bridge and deck teams work in continuous coordination to ensure the vessel remains fixed over each investigation point – critical for both safety and data accuracy.

Key Technology: Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) in the German North Sea

One of the core methods used in the Waterekke geotechnical investigation is the Cone Penetration Test (CPT). The CPT system pushes a cone-shaped probe vertically into the seabed at a constant penetration rate. During the test, the instrument measures:

• Tip resistance (qc)
• Sleeve friction (fs)
• Pore water pressure (u)

These data points allow engineers to:

• Identify and map soil types (sand, clay, silt)
• Estimate bearing capacity and settlement behavior
• Determine the optimal offshore foundation type and dimensions
• Design turbine foundations specifically for the geospatial characteristics of the Waterekke area

Alongside offshore CPTs, laboratory testing of previously collected soil samples further refines the geological model and supports the final engineering design.

Supporting Germany’s Energy Transition with Offshore Renewable Power

The Waterekke Offshore Wind Project is a significant contributor to Germany’s Energy Transition. By combining high-quality geotechnical investigation, advanced offshore technology, and precise seabed mapping, the Luxcara’s project will enable the installation of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure in the German North Sea.

As the Geoquip Silvretta and its sister vessels begin operations offshore, they bring together the data, expertise, and technology required to safely construct a wind farm capable of powering millions of homes with clean energy.