Geotechnical Services for Offshore Wind Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Service (Cone Penetrating Testing (CPT), Pressuremeter Testing, Dynamic Probe Test (DPSH), and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global geotechnical services for offshore wind market size was valued at USD 90.71 million in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 105.68 million in 2023 to USD 332.33 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.78% during the forecast period.

The geotechnical services for offshore wind refers to examining the offshore location, which can be the base for wind-based projects and other platforms. Geotechnical services for offshore wind is a sub-field of geotechnical engineering that deals in offshore examinations of land, project planning, foundation design, construction, and maintenance of structures. It also gathers and analyzes the data with the help of high-tech equipment.

The growing demand for geotechnical services for offshore wind in multiple regions can be attributed to several factors, such as rising offshore activities in the sea surfaces and the need for precise information and data regarding offshore land. For instance, in March 2023, According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the U.K. witnessed an offshore wind installation of 1.18 GW in 2022.

COVID-19 Impact

Focus on Clean Energy Solution Enhanced the Market During the Lockdowns and COVID-19 Outbreak

The positive impact of COVID-19 on geotechnical services for the offshore wind market lies in the increased emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable practices. The pandemic has heightened global awareness of environmental issues, leading to a growing focus on clean energy solutions like offshore wind. This heightened interest is likely to drive investments in geotechnical services, which play a crucial role in assessing the seabed conditions for offshore wind projects. As nations prioritize renewable energy transitions post-pandemic, the demand for geotechnical services in the offshore wind sector may experience a positive upswing.

Geotechnical Services for Offshore Wind Market Trends

Rising Initiatives by Governments and Private Bodies to Reduce Carbon Emission is a Key Market Trend

There have been substantial offshore project developments in recent years due to the shift toward renewable energy and the government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Governments worldwide are increasingly promoting renewable energy sources as part of their climate action plans. This emphasis on clean energy aligns with the expansion of offshore wind projects, necessitating comprehensive geotechnical assessments. The growing commitment to carbon reduction creates a favorable market environment for geotechnical services, as they play a vital role in ensuring the success and sustainability of offshore wind developments

 For instance, on April 7^th, 2022, the government published its British Energy Security Strategy (BESS), outlining how the U.K. will accelerate its transition from oil and gas toward renewable energy sources. The BESS accelerates the government’s plan for a more independent and secure energy system, ending its dependency on expensive fossil fuels and moving toward a future in which all its energy comes from cheaper and low-carbon sources.

The Wind Energy Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy funds research nationwide to permit the deployment of offshore wind technologies that can capture wind resources off the U.S. coasts and convert the captured wind into electricity. In addition, it will cut 78 million metric tons in carbon emissions. The federal government in the U.S. aims to deploy 30 GW of new offshore wind energy by 2030. This target will cut 78 million metric tons in carbon emissions, support power 10 million homes, and offer 77,000 jobs across the U.S.

Geotechnical Services for Offshore Wind Market Growth Factors

Rising Shift Toward Renewable Energy Infrastructure to Drive Market Growth

In recent years, the amount of energy consumption by end-users has been at its peak due to technological advancement and changes in the customer's lifestyle. In addition, there is a shift toward renewable energy as it is the long-term solution for the countries aiming to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. For instance, as per the International Energy Association, in 2021, renewable energy supply from hydro, geothermal, ocean, wind, and solar rose by around 7%.

The growth of offshore wind projects will boost the demand in this market. Offshore wind projects are one of the major renewable sources for energy production and the primary factor that drives geotechnical services. For instance, the Biden administration desires to boost offshore wind energy by adding 30 GW by 2030. This will power over 10 million homes.

Increased Benefits of Offshore Conditions and Geotechnical Services is Driving Market Growth

Several advantages drive the generation of clean energy from an offshore wind farm that is enormously attractive for investors and owners, which also boosts the geotechnical services for offshore projects, especially wind farms.

Offshore wind provides advantages, such as generating up to double the energy of onshore wind farms. Offshore wind projects has a high capacity to generate energy. Offshore Wind Farms guarantee renewable energy generation in markets with a high population density. They save millions of tons of CO₂ over the lifetime of the facility. The market is expected to grow during the forecast period, as many projects are ongoing in multiple regions due to the clean energy requirement.  

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost of Offshore Geotechnical Services is Hindering Market Growth

Offshore geotechnical services include various services, such as offshore site investigations, geotechnical design, foundation design and installation analysis, leg penetration analyses, cable route analysis, and planning involving complex activities, procedures, and surveys that cost high per location. The high cost of offshore geotechnical investigations is the primary factor hindering the market growth.

In addition, the cost of different types of machinery and offshore equipment is high due to the complex tools and technique procedures. The offshore geotechnical surveys need advanced software, sensors, and complex data acquisition systems. The cost of advanced technology used in geotechnical monitoring and instrumentation solutions is a major market restraint.

Geotechnical Services for Offshore Wind Market Segmentation Analysis

By Services Analysis

High Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness to Boost Cone Penetrating Testing (CPT) Segment Growth

By services, the market is segmented into Cone Penetrating Testing (CPT), pressuremeter testing, dynamic probe test (DPSH), and others.

The Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) segment is dominating the market during the forecast period. CPT dominates offshore wind projects due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and real-time and high-quality data. Offshore wind farms need an in-depth knowledge of seabed conditions to guarantee the safe and efficient installation of wind turbines and related infrastructure. CPT plays a crucial role in offshore wind development by offering valuable geotechnical data for designing and installing foundations for wind turbine structures.

The dynamic probe test segment in geotechnical services for the offshore wind market involves using dynamic cone penetration tests or similar methods to assess the seabed conditions. This segment is crucial in providing real-time data on soil characteristics, strength, and stratigraphy at different depths.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Based on region, the global market is studied across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World.

The Asia Pacific is the dominating region due to the leading nations' involvement and achievements in the geotechnical Services for offshore wind. The major countries like China, Japan, and Vietnam continuously add offshore projects in the offshore wind market and boost the requirement for geotechnical Services in the region. In recent 2021, Fugro, a geotechnical Services provider has, won an offshore geotechnical contract as part of the consortium with Vietsovpetro and PTSC G&S from La Gan Wind, owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Asiapetro, and Novasia for the La Gan offshore wind project in Vietnam.

Europe is one of the dominating regions for offshore wind market share. The U.K. is the dominating country for geotechnical services for offshore wind, driven by the growing number of contracts and agreements for offshore wind. For instance, On December 18^th, 2022, the U.K. Minister for Energy and Climate, Graham Stuart, inked a milestone agreement on renewable energy cooperation with the EU and North Seas countries.

The North American market is expected to grow due to the rising activities like construction, mining etc. and the government’s focus on minimizing the carbon footprint and adopting clean energy through offshore wind.

Rest of the world such as Latin American region is beginning to explore its offshore wind potential, with projects in the development phase. Geotechnical services are gaining importance as feasibility studies progress, and the market’s growth is influenced by the regulatory frameworks established by governments and their commitment to supporting renewable energy goals. Although still in the early stages, some countries in the Middle East & Africa are exploring offshore wind potential. Geotechnical services are becoming increasingly crucial, especially in the initial stages of project development.

List of Key Geotechnical Services for Offshore Wind Market Companies

Fugro is Leading the Market Owing to its Expertise in Geotechnical Services

Fugro delivers solutions using an integrated approach that incorporates the acquisition and analysis of geo-data. The company has expertise in site characterization and asset integrity. The company is in 61 countries and gathers geotechnical and survey data on offshore and onshore oil fields. The company has divided its business into marine, geoscience, and land divisions. Due to diversified product portfolio and an integrated approach of acquisition, the company holds the maximum share of the industry.

• In May 2021, Furgo announced that it had been awarded a contract by Equinor to investigate the 1,200-meter deep waters of Canada's Flemish Pass. Fugro ran a field campaign involving an environmental survey, soil investigation, and seabed survey from July 2021 until August 2021. The Seabed and environmental survey is performed using the Echo Surveyor VIII, Fugro's newest autonomous underwater vehicle.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Fugro (Netherlands)


• Helms Geomarine (Malaysia)


• EGS Survey (Singapore)


• Acteon (U.K.)


• Geoquip Marine (Switzerland)


• Horizon Geosciences (UAE)


• Sarathy Geotech & Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd (India)


• Gardline Limited (England)


• Geoxyz (Belgium)


• Coastal Marine Construction & Engineering Ltd. (COMACOE) (India)


• JAVA Offshore (Indonesia)


• ABL Group (Norway)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In June 2023, Hartshead Resources NL (HHR), the oil and gas Services provider, awarded Geoquip Marine Operations with an agreement to perform a geotechnical survey for field developments in the Southern North Sea.


• In April 2023, Thistle Wind Partners (TWP) is expected to complete its Front-End Engineering Designs phase for the two ScotWind projects by mid-2024, with a second round of geotechnical and geophysical studies planned for next year to inform the FEED for the offshore wind farms.


• In April 2023, Benthic and TerraSond, Geo-Services brands in Acteon’s Data and Robotics division, were awarded a joint geotechnical and geophysical survey project scope by the Renantis and BlueFloat Energy Partnership for its Broadshore and Bellrock wind farms northeast of Aberdeen in  Scotland.


• In August 2022, Dutch geo-data specialist Fugro NV was awarded a marine site characterization contract for Sorlige Nordsjo II, poised to become Norway's first large-scale offshore wind farm.


• In January 2022, Fugro secured a new agreement with Energinet to conduct cable route surveys for the North Sea Energy Island project. The Energy Island will be used as an offshore power plant and distribute up to 10 GW of offshore wind to Denmark and other neighboring markets. Fugro will conduct laboratory testing and geotechnical and geophysical services to provide significant insight into the ground engineering challenges along the cable route from the Danish landfalls to the future location of the artificial island.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product/service types, and leading applications of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors above, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

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