The offshore wind industry is getting a data-driven boost with a new joint venture between Ocean Geophysics and HighTide. The partnership aims to combine their expertise in seabed data processing, analysis, and interpretation, creating a comprehensive suite of services for offshore wind, cable and pipeline installation, and oil and gas projects.
Seabed data is the backbone of offshore wind development. It informs site selection, foundation design, array layout, and safety assessments. Wind turbines and export cables rely on a detailed understanding of seabed conditions, including sediment movement, shallow geology, and geohazards. By integrating Ocean Geophysics’ large-scale geophysical data processing with HighTide’s high-resolution seabed interpretation and asset-level analysis, the joint venture is set to offer a more holistic approach to seabed data management.
The partnership will provide integrated data processing for multibeam echosounder surveys, backscatter, GIS and charting data, as well as seabed mobility studies, boulder mapping, and foundation risk assessments. It will also cover pre- and post-lay survey processing for cable and pipeline installation, as-laid and as-built trenching documentation, and remotely operated vehicle inspection data for asset integrity.
Ocean Geophysics will contribute its AI-driven processing and interpretation capabilities across a range of geophysical datasets, including multi-channel seismic, ultra-high-resolution seismic, unexploded ordnance surveys, sub-bottom profiler data, side scan sonar, and synthetic aperture sonar.
Alison Wells, CEO of Ocean Geophysics, said: “High Tide and Ocean Geophysics complement each other. High Tide provides services that we don’t – and vice versa. By teaming up, we can provide developers of offshore wind farms with a full suite of seabed data processing and interpretation. Moreover, we can jointly take on even bigger projects together as a one-stop shop for marine data processing.”
The companies said the partnership is intended to reduce data handover gaps by linking geophysical interpretation with asset-level inspection data, supporting more consistent seabed analysis throughout the lifecycle of offshore wind projects.
This joint venture is a clear signal that the offshore wind industry is maturing. As projects grow in size and complexity, the need for comprehensive, reliable, and efficient data management becomes paramount. By pooling their resources and expertise, Ocean Geophysics and HighTide are not only filling a gap in the market but also setting a new standard for seabed data processing in the offshore wind sector.
The partnership could also pave the way for similar collaborations in the future. As the offshore wind industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that more companies will recognise the value of working together to deliver more robust, efficient, and innovative solutions.