James Fisher Renewables has been drafted in to help deal with unexploded ordnance off the coast of France.
The French transmission grid operator, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE), has picked the Suffolk-headquartered firm to identify the live artillery along the export cable routes for the Fécamp offshore wind project.
The 11-mile wire will sit at depths between 5 and 53 metres and will provide the electricity transmission connection for EDF Renewables’ 71-turbine development off north-west coast of France.
The award follows the successful completion of a similar unexploded ordnance identification campaign for RTE off the west coast of France in Summer last year.
Work is due to get underway in the coming days and will last about 2 months.
James Fisher Renewables, which has operations in Aberdeen, will identify and investigate potential unexploded artillery along the length of the cable’s planned routes.
Confirmed targets will be disposed of by the French Navy in line with regional legislation.
The contract will be carried out by James Fisher Renewables’ subsidiary Mojo Maritime France (MMF).
It’s expected to create temporary local jobs for project supervisors, remote operated underwater vehicle (ROV) pilots and technicians, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and dive specialists.
Giovanni Corbetta, Managing Director of James Fisher’s Marine Contracting Division, said: “Having performed thousands of unique potential UXO target identifications, we bring a wealth of experience that will ensure this project is delivered safely and efficiently.
“We are delighted to be able to leverage our expertise working in extreme environments to help France deliver on its ambitious industrial plan for the region.”