Offshore Environmental Data from a Floating LiDAR System is Available Online
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A comprehensive offshore environmental dataset collected from a Floating LiDAR System (FLS) off the west coast of Ireland is now publicly available. The data provides valuable insights into wind, wave, and current conditions in one of Europe's most energetic offshore regions.
In July 2025, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) commissioned Green Rebel Marine to deploy the FLS on the proposed Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS). The FLS records wind speed and wind direction at multiple heights up to 300 metres above sea level, alongside wave measurements, ocean current speed and direction as well as other environmental parameters. The data offers a detailed picture of the atmospheric and oceanographic conditions experienced off Ireland’s Atlantic coastline.
The availability of high-quality wind measurements at elevations up to 300 metres is particularly significant as offshore wind turbines continue to increase in size, requiring accurate wind resource assessments across the full rotor-swept area. The dataset can support a wide range of applications, including offshore wind and wave development, marine operations, environmental research, engineering studies, and numerical model validation.
In addition to wind resource assessment, the wave and current measurements provide important information for offshore infrastructure design, installation planning, vessel operations, and environmental monitoring.
By making this dataset openly accessible, the SEAI aims to support collaboration across industry, academia, and government while contributing to a better understanding of Ireland's offshore environment. The data represents an important resource for researchers, developers, and stakeholders working to advance offshore renewable energy and marine science.
The dataset is available on the Marine Institute’s website and can be accessed by anyone interested in exploring Ireland's offshore wind and metocean conditions.
https://ametsflidardata.marine.ie/
