Jones Bros Finalises Ground Investigation for Mona Offshore Wind Project

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has successfully completed the final phase of a comprehensive ground investigation survey as the principal contractor during the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) stage of the Mona Offshore Wind Project.

The firm is managing the ECI works in preparation for the onshore construction activities associated with the large-scale wind farm, which will feature up to 96 turbines located entirely within Welsh waters in the eastern Irish Sea.

With a potential capacity of up to 1.5GW, the Mona Offshore Wind Project aims to generate enough electricity to supply approximately 1.5 million UK households annually. The development, led by JERA Nex bp, will connect to the National Grid substation at Bodelwyddan in Denbighshire.

Eryl Roberts, Contracts Director at Jones Bros, commented: “It’s wonderful to have been appointed to work on such a significant renewables project. We have played a vital role on several offshore wind farms in the UK, so to add this development to our impressive portfolio is fantastic. Our highly skilled team will relish being part of this important scheme, especially with it being in North Wales and close to home.”

The ground investigation surveys, a critical component of the ECI phase, have now been completed along the proposed cable corridor. Detailed design work is currently in progress. The ECI activities also include monitoring survey impacts such as noise and vibration, alongside ongoing engagement with key stakeholders.

Rhys Roberts, Senior Contracts Manager, is leading a team of around ten personnel as preparations continue for the main project phase. Based in Ruthin, just over 20 miles from the wind farm’s landfall site between Llanddulas and Pensarn Beach on the North Wales coast, Jones Bros is leveraging local expertise. Regional staff and apprentices are integral to the project delivery, and the company is prioritising involvement of the Welsh supply chain where possible.

Rhys said: “It is always great to impart our team’s knowledge and expertise at the ECI phase. Having completed the ground investigation surveys, we now have the detailed knowledge needed to inform further design work with confidence. This helps smooth out every step of the project, allowing for an integrated approach between us and the client, who we are hoping to work closely with throughout delivery of the scheme.”

Richard Haydock, Mona Project Director, stated: “This milestone represents an important step in progressing Mona towards construction and future power generation. Jones Bros has brought valuable expertise, local insight and a collaborative approach throughout the ECI phase, helping to build a strong foundation for the next stages of the project.”

Founded in the 1950s, Jones Bros operates one of the UK’s largest plant fleets and employs around 550 people. The company is engaged in contracts across multiple sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management, and renewable energy throughout the UK.

Jones Bros also runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme that has contributed significantly to its workforce, with many senior managers having started as apprentices or trainees. Over the years, the company has recruited hundreds of apprentices.