Netherlands-based geotechnical survey and geoscience services company Fugro has secured a contract from Taiwan energy company Shinfox Energy for the 700MW Youde offshore wind farm.

The project, situated off the west coast of Taiwan, is part of Taiwan’s Round 3.2 offshore wind tender.

The contract will see Fugro provide extensive geotechnical services essential for the development of the wind farm.

The Youde offshore wind farm is a critical component of Taiwan's strategy to reach 13.1GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030.

Fugro Asia Pacific regional business line director Shalu Shajahan stated: “We are honoured to be selected by Shinfox Energy for this landmark project in Taiwan and to be part of the development of the Youde offshore wind farm. This award showcases the trust that Shinfox has placed in our track record of delivering high-value geo-data solutions to offshore wind clients in Taiwan since 2016.”

Fugro will deploy its Taiwan-flagged vessel, the Pacific Hornbill, a DP2 vessel managed by IOVTEC.

The vessel is equipped with a C30 marine geotechnical drilling rig, alongside Fugro’s proprietary WISON MkV EcoDrive downhole in situ testing and sampling system.

It has specialised seabed geotechnical equipment such as the SEACALF MkV Deep Drive, which will facilitate the collection of high-quality geotechnical data in both seabed and downhole modes throughout the project.

The campaign for geotechnical fieldwork commenced recently and will reach completion in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Fugro IOVTEC chairman Vincent Tsai stated: “By leveraging our ISO-accredited local laboratory, we will deliver integrated high-quality services. This milestone reinforces Fugro IOVTEC’s commitment to strengthening domestic offshore wind capabilities and building long-term partnerships that support Taiwan’s energy transition.”

In July 2025, Fugro entered a seven-year framework agreement with EirGrid, Ireland's transmission system operator, to carry out geo-data surveys for the Powering Up Offshore – South Coast project.

As part of the agreement, Fugro will perform geo-data surveys, including desktop studies, as well as geophysical, environmental and geotechnical assessments.