Helix Robotics to Make Neart na Gaoithe UXO-Free

Helix Robotics Solutions Limited has secured a contract to provide UXO inspection and clearance at the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind project.

Helix will carry out the investigation of potential unexploded ordnance (UXO) over an estimated period of three months.

The company will mobilize an XLS Work class ROV onboard a chartered vessel, which will also be used for detonation.

In the final phase, Helix will relocate and clear the designated project path of boulders using a boulder grad. This is expected to take around 6 months.

The company stated that the work will commence imminently and the project will be managed and overseen by the core team in Aberdeen, supported by specialist subcontractors from within Scotland and the wider UK.

Local ports are planned to be used for mobilization, demobilization and support services.

“This is a significant award for Helix as it represents an expansion to our current renewable offering – to better support the development of the UK’s offshore renewable energy sector,” said Gary Aylmer, Helix Robotics Solutions Vice President – Europe and West Africa.

“As a company based in Scotland, we are immensely proud to have been selected by EDF Renewables to perform the work on a Scottish offshore windfarm and look forward to working with them and the local supply chain in delivering this significant project.”

Neart na Gaoithe will consist of 54 Siemens Gamesa 8MW turbines located in the North Sea approximately 15km off the coast of Fife.

The 450MW offshore wind project is expected to enter offshore construction in the summer of 2020, with full commissioning in 2023.