Fugro has secured a role on Brazil’s first offshore wind project to move forward under a formal environmental licensing process, taking on geotechnical work for Petrobras’ Rio de Janeiro offshore wind pilot.

The 18 MW scheme marks an early step for offshore wind in South America, as countries in the region begin to put regulatory frameworks in place and test project development.

The Dutch geo-data specialist will carry out a full site investigation programme in nearshore waters off São João da Barra. The scope includes soil sampling, in situ testing and laboratory analysis across four coastal and shallow-water locations, alongside onshore work linked to cable landfall and routing.

Fieldwork is set to begin in April and run through the third quarter of 2026, with final reporting scheduled for 2027.

The project will be delivered by Fugro’s Brazil-based teams, combining offshore operations out of Rio das Ostras with laboratory testing at its Pinhais facility.

Fugro said its experience on early-stage offshore wind projects in emerging markets would feed into the work, helping to provide reliable data for design and development decisions.

Céline Gerson, president and group director for Fugro in the Americas, said early data plays a key role as the sector develops.

“As South America moves forward with its offshore wind ambitions, early Geo-data is one of the most important tools for reducing uncertainty and setting projects up for long-term success,” she said.

“By partnering with Petrobras at this early stage, we’re helping establish the technical foundation needed to progress offshore wind responsibly and expand future energy options in Brazil and across the wider region.”