Dutch offshore wind sector getting new certification boost as workforce demand spikes for offshore ops in UXO domain

After establishing a team to handle the workload, the UK-headquartered Ocean Geophysics has introduced certification support related to the Certification Scheme for the Detection of Explosive Remnants of War (CS-OOO) in the Netherlands to address the rising demand for professionals in unexploded ordnance (UXO) risk mitigation for offshore operations.

The company has set up a Dutch team of certified CS-OOO professionals, including senior experts and assistant CS-OOOs, to provide UXO risk mitigation services for offshore operations in Dutch waters. UXO surveys and clearance work in the Netherlands needs to follow the CS-OOO standard, which outlines the requirements for civil explosives detection companies. 

The certification consists of two sub-areas, with sub-area A covering the detection of explosives, and sub-area B ensuring civil engineering support is conducted in a safe and traceable manner.

According to the UK player, all CS-OOO professionals at Ocean Geophysics hold the required offshore certifications and have extensive offshore experience, thus, the overall aim is to meet the legal requirements for UXO risk assessments, supplying dedicated experts to vessels operating in Dutch waters.

“There are only a handful of companies in The Netherlands that hold the required licenses for UXO detection and clearance work, and many of the license holders do not prioritise offshore work. We aim to help debottleneck offshore UXO survey work on behalf of developers and operators of offshore wind farms,” said Alison Wells, CEO of Ocean Geophysics.

Beyond providing certified professionals, Ocean Geophysics also offers data processing services aimed at securing ALARP certification, a key safety standard for UXO risk management. The company claims to have reduced ALARP certification turnaround times to 48 hours using advanced data processing technologies, particularly for international clients outside the Netherlands.

“In short, we can provide clients operating offshore the Netherlands with a comprehensive suite of services to support safe and compliant offshore activities. This is coupled with our fast-track data processing services that allow us to rapidly deliver all the supporting documentation required for the ALARP certification process, thus helping to mitigate UXO risk in the most cost-efficient manner possible,” added Wells.

In May, Ocean Geophysics introduced a solution that recycles and reprocesses freely available seismic data to help developers reduce cost and risk when deciding which wind farms to bid on. The company’s solution leverages historical data, advanced software, and modern processing techniques to uncover previously hidden information in shallow regions.

By potentially eliminating the need for additional costly reconnaissance surveys, the solution aims to cut costs and reduce risks for offshore wind developments.