A Comprehensive Review of Geophysical Survey Techniques for Offshore Wind Farm Projects
Caetano Ayres1, Arthur Ayres Neto2
1GeoMarine Survey Systems, Sheffieldstraat 8 3047 AP, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias
|January 15, 2026
Summary
Offshore wind farms require extensive seabed surveys to ensure safe operation. This review examines international best practices for marine geophysical surveys, offering a baseline for Brazil to minimize risks and environmental impact.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geophysics
- Renewable Energy Engineering
Background:
- Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are a major environmental concern.
- Offshore wind energy is a key alternative for clean electricity generation.
- Brazil possesses significant offshore wind energy potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review international best practices for marine geophysical surveys in offshore wind farm projects.
- To provide a baseline for Brazilian regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
- To guide the design of effective surveys for risk mitigation and cost efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Review of data gathering methods used by different countries for offshore wind farm seabed mapping.
- Analysis of commonalities and specificities in national survey design rules.
- Identification of best practices for managing seabed features and risks.
Main Results:
- Marine geophysical tools are reliable, fast, and cost-effective for seafloor mapping.
- Countries share common characteristics but have specific rules for survey design.
- Best practices can be extracted to inform future offshore wind projects.
Conclusions:
- Effective hydrographic and geophysical surveys are crucial for minimizing geological risks and environmental impacts.
- Adopting best practices can maximize knowledge extraction and ensure cost efficiency.
- A standardized approach based on international experience is needed for Brazil's offshore wind development.
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