Lady Kathleen helps to survey Cork’s coastline
Cork’s coastline is set to see considerable changes in the next few years as part of Maritime Area A, or Tonn Nua of the Government’s South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan.
A Cork-based company has recently completed its nearshore environmental surveys across Ireland’s south coast, supporting EirGrid’s Powering Up Offshore – South Coast project.
Green Rebel conducted the surveys, undertaken under contract to Fugro, EirGrid’s appointed marine survey supplier, focused on sampling organisms and sediments from the bottom of aquatic environments and drop-down video in nearshore areas.
The data gathered will complement other marine survey activities completed by Fugro, and will inform EirGrid’s plans to deliver the grid transmission infrastructure needed to connect 900MW of offshore wind generation to onshore grid connection points, in line with Government’s climate action plan. These insights will play a key role in guiding the project design in a way that respects the local marine ecosystem.
The surveys were carried out using Green Rebel’s multi-purpose survey vessel, Lady Kathleen. Operating from its HQ in Crosshaven, the Lady Kathleen showcases Green Rebel’s local capability, technical expertise, employed workforce, and investment in Irish owned assets and equipment that support offshore energy development.
Speaking on the completion of the first phase, Alan Cott, Fleet Manager with Green Rebel Group said: “We’re proud to be supporting the advancement of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy ambitions through our work with EirGrid and Fugro. The successful completion of this first survey phase aboard Lady Kathleen, one of Green Rebel’s purpose-built survey vessels, highlights our technical capability and the strength of Ireland’s local supply chain.
“Ireland’s offshore energy future depends on local knowledge, local talent, and a sustainable marine industry. As an Irish-owned company operating globally, Green Rebel exists to build that capability and drive long-term success. Headquartered in Cork, Green Rebel has assembled a dynamic team of scientists, surveyors, engineers, and analysts to deliver integrated environmental, geophysical and metocean services that underpin Ireland’s renewable energy development. We’re committed to supporting the growth of offshore wind and ensuring Ireland’s energy transition is powered by local expertise and global experience.”
Speaking about the 2025 survey campaign, Chief Transformation, Technology and Offshore Officer at EirGrid Liam Ryan said: “These surveys would not be possible without a huge amount of coordination and strategic planning of staff across EirGrid, our strategic partners, fishing communities and local landowners. We would like to thank fisheries and local communities for their continued collaboration with us to facilitate these works.
“The data being gathered from this research is essential in shaping plans for the installation of this transmission infrastructure for offshore wind and creating a cleaner energy future for Ireland by helping to inform our optioneering processes, technical and design elements and build on our understanding of the environment in the vicinity of our potential offshore cable routes and offshore substation locations.”