Offshore Wind Geophysical and Geotechnical Training

This comprehensive course delves into the essential aspects of geophysical and geotechnical assessment for offshore wind projects. Participants will gain insights into the methodologies, tools, and techniques used to assess seabed conditions, geophysical data collection, and geotechnical site investigations. This knowledge is crucial for project developers, engineers, and professionals involved in the offshore wind industry to ensure the safe and efficient installation of wind turbines.

Course Objectives:

- Gain a deep understanding of geophysical and geotechnical assessment techniques.

- Learn to plan, execute, and interpret geophysical surveys effectively.

- Master the tools and methods for collecting geotechnical data.

- Identify and mitigate geotechnical risks in offshore wind projects.

- Contribute to the safe and efficient design and installation of wind turbines.

Who Should Attend:

- Offshore wind project developers

- Geotechnical engineers

- Marine surveyors

- Environmental specialists

- Consultants in the offshore wind industry

- Regulators and policymakers involved in wind energy

Course Outline:

Day 1: Geophysical Assessment

Session 1: Introduction

- Why marine geophysical surveys are necessary for offshore wind projects. 

- Essential concepts in geophysical assessment. 

- Marine geophysical survey planning and objectives. Scope of work.

Session 2: Data Acquisition and Processing

- Project specifications and requirements.

- Survey equipment and functionality.

- Data acquisition methodology and procedures.

- Data processing techniques and QA/QC.

Session 3: Data Interpretation and Analysis

- Data interpretation.

- Geohazards / Engineering constraints assessment and seafloor classification.

- Presentation of results.

Session 4: Case Studies and Best Practices

- Best practices for geophysical assessment in offshore wind projects.

- Real world data examples.

- Application of survey results to wind farm development.

Day 2: Geotechnical Assessment

Session 5: Introduction

- The importance of geotechnical assessment in wind farm design.

- Soil mechanics and soil-structure interaction in offshore environments.

- Geotechnical survey planning and objectives.

Session 6: In-Situ Testing and Sampling

- Sampling methods and coring techniques.

- Cone penetration testing (CPTu and SCPTu). 

- Applicable acquisition and testing standards.

Session 7: Laboratory Testing and Analysis

- Soil sample analysis: physical, mechanical, and chemical properties.

- Soil properties affecting foundation and ECR design.

- Geotechnical report and geomodelling.

- Applicable laboratory testing standards.

Session 8: Risk Assessment and Decision-Making

- Mitigating geotechnical risks in offshore wind projects.

- Interaction between geotechnical and structural engineering.

Course Instrcutors

Leonardo Gherardi

Executive Vice President | Geologist, Alpine

Mr. Gherardi is an Executive Vice President at Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey and acts as the Director of the Geosciences Department. Mr. Gherardi has a broad and solid base background in the collection and processing of geophysical, geotechnical, navigation, bathymetric data and in planning and managing operations in the Offshore Renewables, O&G, Marine Constructions, Underwater Cables sectors.

Over the years, Mr. Gherardi has amassed extensive experience in the collection and processing of geophysical, geotechnical, navigation, and bathymetric data. His diverse career spans roles as an officer in the Italian Corp of Engineers, an onboard geologist, and party chief for geological and geophysical companies, including Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey. His work has been pivotal in various sectors, including Offshore Renewables, Oil & Gas, Marine Constructions, and Underwater Cables.

With a career trajectory marked by roles such as Project Manager, Commercial activities, Survey Operations Manager, and Executive Vice President, Mr. Gherardi has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence. His extensive expertise contributed significantly to the restructuring of Alpine's Geosciences Division in 2014 and the expansion of the Geotechnical Department in 2021.

Capt. Mark Padover

Technical Director - Hydrographic and Positioning Division, Alpine

Mr. Padover, Technical Director at Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey Inc., brings 36 years of maritime expertise, with a dedicated focus on geophysical, bathymetric, environmental, and geotechnical surveys for the past 25 years. His multifaceted role at Alpine includes managing and training field personnel, providing technical support for commercial and field operations, and comprehensive project management.

Starting with SCUBA diving at 15, Mr. Padover earned a degree from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources. As a SCUBA instructor, he progressed to Instructor Trainer and Course Director roles, concurrently pursuing graduate studies at East Carolina University in Maritime History/Underwater Archaeology.

Joining Tidewater Atlantic Research and the Institute for International Maritime Research, he actively contributed to survey endeavors, safeguarding submerged cultural resources. His expeditions took him to the eastern United States and Cherbourg, France, investigating wrecks and debris.

In 2003, he joined Aqua Survey Inc., participating in global geotechnical and geophysical surveys, from collecting vibracores to on-water drilling and magnetometer data collection for UXO detection.

In 2018, Mr. Padover joined Alpine as a Project Manager, overseeing diverse surveys and UXO investigations. His Alpine tenure encompasses geophysical and geotechnical investigations supporting offshore wind, submarine cable installations, bathymetric mapping, and engineering projects across the eastern United States, Saipan, California, and the Caribbean.

Justin Bailey, P.G.

Director of Processing and Reporting, Alpine

Mr. Bailey, Director of Processing and Reporting at Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey Inc., brings over 23 years of experience as a certified Professional Geologist. Specializing in multi-disciplinary surveys, he excels in integrating geophysical, hydrographic, environmental, oceanographic, and geotechnical data.

His expertise lies in planning, executing, and managing marine and freshwater remote sensing surveys. Mr. Bailey supports clients in developing scopes of work for various offshore projects, including port development, navigable waterway charting, renewable energy, and archaeological investigations.

Originally from Michigan, he holds a BS in Geology from Wayne State University and pursued an MS in Geology at Western Michigan University, specializing in near-surface Geophysics and Hydrogeology.

Mr. Bailey's career began as a Project Manager with Ocean Surveys, Inc. (OSI), where he became a certified Professional Geologist and rose to Sr. Project Manager. Joining Alpine eleven years ago, he directed the Processing and Reporting division, ensuring data quality aligns with Alpine's standards and client expectations.

Daniel Whitesell

Technical Director-Geophysical Division| Marine Geophysicist, Alpine

Mr. Whitesell is a Marine Geophysicist and the Technical Director of the Geophysical Division at Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey Inc. In his principal role, he manages the technical aspects of geophysical survey projects, overseeing survey personnel and QA/QC of survey data. With 12 years of professional experience and seven in academia, he specializes in oceanography, marine geology and geophysics, signal processing, acoustics, and marine archaeological surveying.

During his graduate studies, he spent extensive time offshore, contributing to bathymetric mapping projects, seismic reflection surveys, and marine archaeological investigations using ROVs and active sonar. His research analyzed the Crimean Shelf in the Black Sea, employing geophysical surveying techniques to explore sea level transgression events and seafloor geomorphology.

In his tenure at Alpine, he has completed over 80 projects globally, including HVDC and HVAC submarine cable inspections, offshore wind lease and cable route investigations, bathymetric mapping, vessel positioning, and site hazard clearance surveys. His diverse experience spans marine and lacustrine environments worldwide, demonstrating his expertise in diverse geophysical and oceanographic applications.

Creed Goff, R.G.

Technical Director - Geotechnical Division, Alpine

Mr. Goff, Technical Director of the Geotechnical Division at Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey Inc., is a Registered Geologist (R.G.) with 5 years of academic and 10 years of professional experience. His role involves managing and training field geotechnical personnel, providing technical support for commercial and field operations, and project management. Engaged in mobilizations, acquisition, processing, and QA/QC, Mr. Goff's expertise spans geological, geotechnical, engineering support, and environmental studies in maritime and terrestrial environments.

Beginning at the University of Arizona, he obtained a BSc. in Geology, followed by work in geotechnics in Panama, where he contributed significantly to geological surveys for hazard assessment, construction, and research projects, including work on the design of the new Panama Canal locks. Returning to the US, he joined a geotechnical engineering firm, performing data acquisition, laboratory analysis, and aiding in engineering design and construction recommendations across the central US.

After completing an MSc. in Structural Geology with Geophysics from the University of Leeds in 2019, Mr. Goff joined Alpine in 2021. His diverse involvement includes geotechnical and geophysical surveys, focusing on sediment sampling site investigations along the eastern US for cable route studies and cable landfalls, contributing to Alpine's inaugural in-house CPT system deployment.

The course outline is subject to change and a detailed agenda will be shared after enrollment.