The SIR covers all 8 of the prospective leasing areas; Ebba, Närpiö, Hailuoto, Siikajoki, Kristiinankaupunki, Pietsaari, Luoto and Uusikarlepyy. The SIR is a valuable source of information for developers with existing project boundaries in early development and for those seeking to identify preferential areas in the upcoming Gulf of Bothnia leasing process.

The SIR investigates seabed conditions across the area of search, identifying principal strata and the suitability/risk implications for the development of offshore wind farms whilst subdividing the area of search into provinces of similar geological and geotechnical conditions to be considered in the development and engineering process. Qualitative assessments of risk for different subsea infrastructure are made, and outline risk mitigations provided. The study also considers the implications of existing marine traffic, seabed wrecks, infrastructure, environmental designations and other marine uses on the siting and development of offshore wind projects.

Within the detailed SIR are a series of maps presenting spatial information and interpretation of conditions across the continental shelf.

Jordan Geear, Global Business Lead Engineering Geology, commented, ‘Global Maritime’s Finland SIR provides a wealth of information on marine activities, seabed constraints and ground conditions for key prospective offshore wind power areas within the Gulf of Bothnia. Understanding potential seabed and geo-constraints within these areas, including those associated with potentially complex, glaciogenic ground conditions, will be essential to inform early risk management for these sites. In addition, an early understanding of potential foundation suitability will assist in achieving Finland’s goal of 6.5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030.’

Parties interested in acquiring our Gulf of Bothnia SIR should visit our Geoscience page for further information.