This week, members of the Gazelle Wind Power team had the immense privilege of joining Instituto Hidrográfico aboard the Portuguese navy vessel, NRP Andrómeda, for a geophysical survey at the site of our planned 2MW floating offshore wind demonstrator site off Aguçadoura.
Our team has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to developing a unique platform design, securing the TUPEM, raising the financing, and building a strong network of partnerships and support. Reflecting on these accomplishments while looking back at the beach from the test site was a powerful moment, especially because this moment means that we are one step closer to our project being delivered.
Planning the installation of a floating offshore wind turbine involves a tremendous amount of variables and unknowns, making accurate measurement and data vital. As the raw data flowed in from the seismic scans and were cross referenced with the multibeam images, a clear path forward started to emerge. While there is a long way to go, we are steadfast in our commitment to reduce the LCoE of floating offshore wind and accelerate its commercial deployment.
We applaud the Portuguese Navy for its unwavering commitment in keeping our oceans safe and the role they play in supporting offshore activities and infrastructure. This week, their teamwork and professionalism were on full display as they stuck to their task despite the best efforts of the waves and wind to deflect them.
We would like to thank the entire crew for their hard work and making us feel so welcome on board but especially commanding officer, Pedro Saial, the Instituto Hidrográfico team, technical director Joao Vicente, survey coordinator Rui Pinheiro, marine geologist and surveyor, João Francisco Duarte, and marine surveyor João Santos.
Returning to harbour at the end of a long day, the sense of a job well done was palpable, as was the optimism for Portugal’s role in furthering floating offshore wind, a mission that is vital for the energy transition.