6 Alpha and Atkins collaborate on 3 Offshore Projects

6 Alpha Associates, the strategic advisor for managing high risk offshore initiatives, will work in collaboration with Atkins to deliver UXO risk management services for the geotechnical ground investigations undertaken at the designated turbine locations, as well as along the export cable routes for the Galloper, Rampion and Triton Knoll projects. Prior to specifying the geophysical surveys, 6 Alpha Associates prepared desktop study reports to ascertain the level of initial UXO risk.

Once the absence of UXO had been confirmed by interpretation of the geophysical surveys, 6 Alpha Associates awarded Safety Sign Off Certificates - with the most recent to Triton Knoll being delivered in August this year - to confirm that the risk of UXO had been reduced to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ (ALARP) and that geotechnical vessels could carry out exploratory boreholes.

“The future of offshore wind development depends on the ability of the industry to learn from previous projects. It’s why we’re becoming involved significantly earlier in the development timeline,” said Simon Cooke, Managing Director, 6 Alpha Associates. “By working with Atkins during the preliminary stages of offshore wind construction, we can ensure that the possibility of extensive and costly delays related to the discovery of UXO on site at a later date, is avoided.”

Giorgio Maderni, Chief Geotechnical Engineer, Atkins commented: “Through our partnership with 6 Alpha we can offer our clients an integrated design and investigation team which can minimise risks in a highly cost effective manner for offshore wind developers."