Case Studies

Igne

With decades of experience supporting the renewable energy sector, Igne has established itself as a trusted partner in ensuring the seamless transition of energy from offshore installations to onshore facilities.  Our array of services encompasses site investigation, construction materials testing, and unexploded ordnance risk mitigation, all tailored to meet the unique demands of the offshore energy sector and its partners.

Igne, in conjunction with Stockton Drilling Limited and Waterman Infrastructure & Environment Limited, successfully completed a comprehensive ground investigation for the innovative White Cross Offshore Wind Farm, situated approximately 50km off the North Devon coast.

The investigation, which plays a crucial role in the delivery of the pioneering project which will feature seven floating wind turbine generators, was carried out at the landfall site of Saunton Sands beach car park and along an 8km route to Yelland, passing through various sensitive environmental and agricultural terrains.

The work commenced in September 2023 under initially favourable conditions, with warm temperatures of up to 30°C, before transitioning into more challenging autumnal weather, characterised by strong winds and heavy rainfall. 

Despite these varied conditions, the Igne team successfully completed the work within the scheduled four-week period.

Technical activities included the drilling of 18 sonic boreholes, excavation of 17 trial pits, and conduction of 5 electrical resistivity tests to aid in the design of the cable infrastructure. A combination of low ground pressure plant and trackway was utilised to protect the environmentally delicate and productive farmland throughout the course of the investigation.

To ensure thorough examination of the inter-tidal zone, a non-intrusive geophysical study was also conducted, offering valuable data on the nature of superficial deposits and depth to rockhead.

Peter Widdowson, Director Business Development from Igne said,

“The successful completion of this high-profile and exciting engineering project represents a huge win for everyone involved. The complex nature of what was required, combined with the challenging weather and terrain has made the whole company immensely proud, especially to once again deliver everything on time and on budget”.

The site's historic use as a military training range necessitated meticulous safety procedures, including the deployment of a full-time explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) engineer to manage the risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO), ensuring the safety of all personnel.

With the ground investigation phase now complete, Igne is conducting an extensive suite of soil, rock, and contamination tests, with continued monitoring of the installations ongoing, affirming Igne’s commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship.

Click the logo above to head to Igne's website to find out more.