GREATER GABBARD

Case Study

click here to zoomSeaPlanner undertook the GIS and mapping work for the EIA and Environmental Statement on Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Limited's (GGOWL) Greater Gabbard site. This involved planning and development for the cable routes using our extensive in-house database to establish the optimum route. The GIS was used to take into account key routing constraints that could effect the cable installation and also ensure a long term view for the safety of the cable throughout the project lifecycle.

Constraint analysis in the GIS used datasets including: geological, geotechnical and geophysical information; existing infrastructure (i.e. cable crossings and pipelines); and socio-economic interests such as military practice, dredging and anchorage areas. Important consideration was also given to environmental constraints such as fish spawning areas and fishing intensity. All of these factors need to be consided to plan a route that is likely to be permitted.

SeaPlanner's GIS capabilities successfully aided the GGOWL project plan and helped to develop their cable routes to create an effective proposal and submission for their Environmental Statement.

Specific Challenges

There is a large number of data resources that require consideration for cable route planning; maintaining these datasets in a single data management system with an efficient interface is a key requirement to effective design management.

Lessons Learnt

This integrated approach resulted in the development of feasible route options which were designed to maximise ease and cost effectiveness of installation, safety of the cable during operations, and to minimise the impacts to the environment and therefore the risks of not obtaining the project consent.

 

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