GDG Marine Advisory_2023

MARINE ADVISORY www.gdgeo.com

ABOUT US At Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), we are experts at finding innovative solutions to support some of the most challenging offshore wind, marine and infrastructure projects around the worldwide. Offering advice, consultancy support and engineering expertise, our team of specialist consultants is focused on developing the most sustainable design solutions for our clients. With a foundation in geoscience and geotechnical engineering, our expertise has grown to include structural design, cable engineering, transport & installation, development & consenting activities, environmental impact assessment and emerging energy technologies. Since 2011, we have supported offshore wind projects from early-stage site selection, consenting, and planning, to design, construction, installation, operations and maintenance planning. We work hand-in- hand with offshore wind farm developers to take projects from concept to realization. Our team of expert engineers and scientists ensures the successful delivery of offshore wind farm projects around the world, many with difficult ground conditions, variable bathymetry, a wide range of geohazards and challenging environmental factors. We have a strong international footprint with teams in Ireland, UK, Mainland Europe, APAC and USA. [email protected]

MARINE ADVISORY We support the transformation of ideas into successfully delivered offshore wind projects through our strategic marine advisory services. Our highly-qualified team has the expertise and experience to understand the needs of Government authorities, developers and investors. We offer bespoke services to meet the specific needs of any project from conception to decommissioning.

SERVICES 1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2 LICENSING AND CONSENTING 3 SITE IDENTIFICATION AND CONSTRAINTS 4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ACCELERATION 5 FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENTS 6 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY 7 DUE DILIGENCE 8 GOVERNMENT POLICY AND LEGISLATION

STAKEHOLDER 1 ENGAGEMENT & MANAGEMENT Our Marine Advisory team supports offshore projects at every stage, from conception through to decommissioning. Stakeholder engagement plays a pivotal role in the successful delivery of a project. It not only facilitates relationship building, but also has the potential to positively influence project design, environmental impact assessment and compliance with legislative requirements. Throughout our extensive network, we have cultivated personal and professional connections with the key players in the industry, allowing us to effectively advocate for our clients’ interests Our services include: • Public consultation events, questionnaires and surveys • Statutory consultation response • Stakeholder manager personnel • Public affairs - local and national political engagement • Strategic messaging and public relations • Media outreach and management

2 LICENSING & CONSENTING We are a leader in the production of licence and consent applications for site Investigation surveys. We are experienced in submitting applications on behalf of clients and supporting them through the process, including providing and coordinating consultation responses and engaging with relevant bodies. Our specialist team ensures documentation is of the highest standard and in line with the latest guidance. We are at the forefront of current developments, enabling us to offer valuable advice and guidance to clients for successful licence applications. We have a track record of delivering licences that were not subject to any legal challenges. We are also experienced in discharging licence conditions for site investigation surveys. We manage and maintain licence condition requirements throughout survey operations to ensure compliance. By closely monitoring, reporting and successfully closing out licence requirements, we contribute to maintaining and enhancing reputations.

SITE 3 IDENTIFICATION & CONSTRAINTS We have a unique understanding of the market dynamics, project pipelines and competitive drivers shaping the offshore industry. Our insight into technical challenges and coastal conditions is unparalleled and plays a crucial role in project planning and execution. We recognise the far- reaching implications of these factors on offshore wind projects, particularily their impact on the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE). What sets us apart is our comprehensive understanding of the issues impacting offshore wind projects, including an appreciation of wind speeds, metocean conditions, ground conditions, constraints for landfall, O&M considerations and installation challenges. Our proficiency in assessing and incorporating these elements enables us to provide our clients with well-rounded and informed recommendations. To date, we have undertaken site selection in the following countries; Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile.

PROJECT 4 MANAGEMENT & ACCELLERATION We manage the delivery of all offshore geotechnical & geophysical survey campaigns during the project development phase of offshore wind farms. • We establish effective communication channels with marine survey contractors, vessel owners and supporting consultants in our role as pre- tender market liaison. • Our team analyses Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) inputs to prepare technical scope and procurement documentation for survey tenders. • We develop survey programmes and execute survey requirements, acting as a stakeholder liaison throughout the process.​ • We offer on-site supervision of offshore site investigations along with Client Representation services. We also provide contract and commercial management which includes cost management and reporting.​ • We manage marine contracts using the LOGIC form and provide regular project review and feedback sessions to clients and suppliers.​ • We compile comprehensive governance reports that outline progress on schedule, budget, risk and any issues encountered throughout the investigation phase of the project.​ • We engage in proactive communication with marine survey companies and vessel owners, facilitating survey scoping and managing the procurement process. We also offer Client Representation and supervision services for these surveys.

5 FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT We have been entrusted by many clients to serve as Lead Consultant and Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) for the crucial pre-feasibility assessment stage of projects. These services include: • Pre-feasibility and concept design engineering studies • Planning strategy • Fast-tracked survey foreshore licence application • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping • EIA/AA environmental and ecological survey design, procurement and coordination • EIA screening of the overall development and • Stakeholder management plan and database. Throughout the process, we engage extensively, on behalf of our client, with all project stakeholders, including wind developers, to determine optimum project requirements. Multiple development options are prepared, costed, and appraised, leading to the identification of a shortlisted (preferred) option. This decision provides a clear way forward for our clients in terms of the preliminary design, enabling them to progress confidently with their projects.

6 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY We are active at every stage of the surveying process and understand the importance of precise and consistent information in order to fully equip our clients with all information necessary to make the best decisions. Ecological survey procurement and management involves extensive collaboration with experienced professionals such as ecologists, surveyors and environmental professionals on a national and international basis.​ Each project presents its own unique opportunities and challenges. The initial stage of our service involves pinpointing the specific survey requirements for a project, searching for highly qualified providers, assessing their suitability and ensuring that the survey work is conducted to the highest level with expertise in ecological processes and methodologies.​ We oversees the collection of data, guaranteeing adherence to regulatory guidelines, as well as reviewing the quality and integrity of the information gathered. We oversee data analysis, interpretation and reporting. The key findings and recommendations allow us to mitigate potential environmental impacts.​ We ensure that clients benefit from an efficient and professional approach to ecological surveys.

7 DUE DILIGENCE We specialise in delivering comprehensive environmental, planning, and technical due diligence, with a strong emphasis on the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy. Our expertise and guidance help our clients to navigate the complex landscape of this rapidly evolving industry.​ Our comprehensive environmental due diligence involves evaluating assessments on the potential environmental impacts of offshore renewable energy projects. Our expert team examines relevant topics such as marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and potential effects on wildlife habitats. Clients are then equipped to recognise and address future potential challenges to guarantee their project adheres to relevant environmental planning policies. ​ Our technical experts conduct thorough assessments of offshore renewable energy projects. This involves extensive research into the latest turbine technology, infrastructure design and grid connectivity. We provide valuable insights into a project’s technical feasibility, reliability, and performance potential, resulting in maximum efficiency and effectiveness while minimising potential risks.

GOVERNMENT 8 POLICY & LEGISLATION Our wealth of experience and deep understanding of policy and legislation supports offshore wind developers to make informed decisions, effectively engage with stakeholders, and meet the ever- evolving requirements of the regulatory environment. We have a deep understanding of the complex​ marine legislative system, allowing us to offer valuable policy, legislative and strategic guidance to offshore developers. Our primary focus is to ensure projects comply with national and international marine legislation, mitigating the risk of judicial review and other legal challenges in an ever-changing legal environment.​ Throughout the planning and pre-construction phases, we collaborate with offshore wind developers to provide services ranging from market​ entry strategies and site identification to offshore consent support and stakeholder engagement.

CASE STUDIES We work with our clients to provide bespoke studies and services to meet their specific project needs.

DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE & COMMUNICATIONS IRELAND Maritime Area Consent is a key step in the realisation of the Irish Government’s offshore wind ambitions. Once granted, it allows wind farm developers to apply for planning permission from An Bord Pleanála, where the project proposal will undergo environmental assessment. . ​At GDG, following a competitive tender, we developed the technical assessment guidance for the Maritime Area Consent process on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and carried out the technical assessment of all Phase One applications.​ We shared our recommendations with Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, advising that, from a technical perspective, seven Maritime Area Consents be awarded. A workshop and documentation was delivered to the Department in 2023.

AUSTRALIA OFFSHORE WIND FARMS WESTERN AUSTRALIA Australia is on the cusp of realising its offshore wind energy potential following the Government’s declaration of the first offshore wind zone in 2022. At GDG, we undertook constraints analyses to identify suitable sites for several offshore wind farm sites off the coast of Western Australia. This included identifying sites and using local knowledge to submit applications to the Australian authorities to obtain guidance on the proposals as well as the level of environmental assessment required in preparing development consent applications. We identified and refined project boundaries for four OWF projects off Western Australia; Leeuwin, Midwest, Samphire, and Velella. These will have a combined capacity of up to 12 GW.

KEY EXPERIENCE Rosslare Europort Offshore Wind Hub North Irish Sea Array (NISA) Sceirde Rocks Dublin Port Numerous confidential projects

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