Your Drilling Company in Northern Germany Since 1900
North Sea Drilling Companies: Secure Foundations Through Targeted Load Transfer to Solid Soil Layers
Thade Gerdes has been installing deep foundations in coastal areas for over 125 years and tailors the piles precisely to the soil conditions. This ensures that structures remain structurally sound over the long term, even in soft and water-saturated soils.
In coastal areas, the soil conditions determine the safety of your entire project.
Soft soils, high soil moisture, and changing conditions can quickly lead to settlement and damage if the foundation is not stable.
Thade Gerdes builds deep foundations that are precisely tailored to these soil conditions:
→ Load transfer to load-bearing soil layers, even in soft, water-saturated coastal soils such as clay or silt, to ensure your structure remains stable over the long term and settlement is prevented.
→ Specializing in coastal construction projects to identify ground conditions risks early on and avoid additional drilling or post-construction deepening.
The foundation for cost-effective and safe construction is a proper soil investigation.
Thade Gerdes builds deep foundations that are precisely tailored to these soil conditions:
Load transfer to load-bearing soil layers, even in soft, water-saturated coastal soils such as clay or silt, to ensure that your structure remains stable over the long term and settlement is prevented.
Specializes in coastal construction projects to identify ground conditions risks early on and avoid the need for additional drilling or foundation reinforcement.
Everything you need for a safe, timely, and cost-effective project launch!
Our Projects in the Public and Private Construction Sectors
SuedLink 2020–2023
Site investigations for a TenneT energy transmission line. Pressure tests, dry drilling, groundwater monitoring wells, and small-diameter percussion drilling.
Dornumersiel to Baltrum 2023
Site investigations on the mainland, in the Wadden Sea, and on the island of Baltrum for the onshore connection of wind farms in the North Sea, commissioned by TenneT Offshore GmbH. Site investigations involving cone penetration tests and dry drilling to a depth of up to 40 meters. Special requirements due to the work being carried out in the ecologically highly sensitive Wadden Sea National Park and the logistical challenges posed by the car-free island of Baltrum.
Hamburg U4 2023
Site investigation on the Elbe River in Hamburg. Work conducted in two shifts from a floating platform. Dry drilling up to 60 m and cone penetration tests.
Berliner Wasserbetriebe Groundwater Monitoring Stations 2022
Construction of 7 groundwater monitoring wells for Berliner Wasserbetriebe at the Johannisthal intermediate pumping station, at depths ranging from 8 to 16 meters.
GWMs in the Emsland Region for the NLWKN 2022
Construction of 8 groundwater monitoring wells for the Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal Protection, and Nature Conservation in the Cloppenburg-Vechta area, at depths ranging from 8 to 28.50 meters.
Fire hydrant in Neßmersiel
A fire hydrant well for a farm in Neßmersiel was sunk to a depth of 54 m using the flush drilling method; the well was lined with a DN 100 pipe.
Building Garden Fountains with Small Tools
Building a garden fountain using an Adler B25 flush drilling rig.
Expansion of the Jaderberg Food Market
Construction of 9 displacement screw piles up to 9 m deep in confined spaces.
New Hangar Construction at Norddeich Airfield
Deep foundation using energy piles; 51 piles up to 16 m.
Residential and Commercial Building in Neuharlingersiel
Expansion of an outdoor swimming pool
85 + 54 piles up to 13 m for the renovation and expansion of the Rastede swimming pool.
Award-Winning Quality – Naturally Sustainable
Our Certificates
A drilling company operating in coastal areas must meet these 4 requirements
In coastal areas, soil and water conditions determine the requirements for deep foundations. Therefore, make sure that your drilling contractor meets the following criteria:
Correctly Assessing the Building Site:
Variations in soil layers and soft areas must be taken into account in advance. This is the only way to ensure that loads are distributed evenly and settlement is prevented.
Procedures designed for water-stained floors:
Construction sites in coastal and offshore areas are constantly exposed to water. The method used must operate reliably under these conditions.
Using Technology Appropriately:
Equipment and methods must be suited to the available space and site conditions. This is the only way to carry out work precisely and without unnecessary delays.
Identifying Risks Before Construction Begins:
Critical factors such as significantly varying soil layers, areas with insufficient bearing capacity, or unexpected susceptibility to settlement must be identified before work begins. This prevents the need for rework and additional effort.
→ If you keep these criteria in mind, you’ll find a drilling company on the North Sea coast that can safely carry out your deep foundation work under coastal conditions.
A drilling company operating in coastal areas must meet these 4 requirements
In coastal areas, soil and water conditions determine the requirements for deep foundations. Therefore, make sure that your drilling contractor meets the following criteria:
Correctly Assessing the Building Site:
Variations in soil layers and soft areas must be taken into account in advance. This is the only way to ensure that loads are distributed evenly and settlement is prevented.
Procedures designed for water-stained floors:
Construction sites in coastal and offshore areas are constantly exposed to water. The method used must operate reliably under these conditions.
Using Technology Appropriately:
Equipment and methods must be suited to the available space and site conditions. This is the only way to carry out the work precisely and without unnecessary delays.
Identifying Risks Before Construction Begins:
Critical factors such as significantly varying soil layers, areas with insufficient bearing capacity, or unexpected susceptibility to settlement must be identified before work begins. This prevents the need for rework and additional effort.
→ If you keep these criteria in mind, you’ll find a drilling company on the North Sea coast that can safely carry out your deep foundation work under coastal conditions.
A drilling company operating in coastal areas must meet these 4 requirements
In coastal areas, soil and water conditions determine the requirements for deep foundations. Therefore, make sure that your drilling contractor meets the following criteria:
Correctly Assessing the Building Site:
Variations in soil layers and soft areas must be taken into account in advance. This is the only way to ensure that loads are distributed evenly and settlement is prevented.
Procedures designed for water-stained floors:
Construction sites in coastal and offshore areas are constantly exposed to water. The method used must operate reliably under these conditions.
Using Technology Appropriately:
Equipment and methods must be suited to the available space and site conditions. This is the only way to carry out the work precisely and without unnecessary delays.
Identifying Risks Before Construction Begins:
Critical factors such as significantly varying soil layers, areas with insufficient bearing capacity, or unexpected susceptibility to settlement must be identified before work begins. This prevents the need for rework and additional effort.
→ If you keep these criteria in mind, you’ll find a drilling company on the North Sea coast that can safely carry out your deep foundation work under coastal conditions.
North Sea Drilling Project: Why So Many Developers Trust Thade Gerdes
| Other drilling companies | Thade Gerdes |
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Inadequate analysis of the building site → Settlement and damage |
The construction site is assessed in detail in advance → providing a secure foundation for deep foundations in water |
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Standard procedures are used → Load-bearing capacity is insufficient |
Appropriate drilling techniques based on soil conditions and loads → safe transfer of structural loads |
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Design not intended for water-saturated coastal soils → Instability in the subsoil
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Experience with saturated soils in coastal areas → stable design under the influence of water |
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Equipment deployment not adapted to construction site logistics → Downtime and rescheduling |
Use of drilling equipment capable of operating even in confined spaces and on sensitive ground → controlled and seamless execution |
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Risks only become apparent during execution → delays and additional work |
Processes and interfaces clarified before construction begins → seamless construction process without interruptions |
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North Sea Drilling Company: With Thade Gerdes, your coastal structure will remain safe and secure for years to come
✔️ We have over 125 years of experience with North Sea drilling
For generations, we have been familiar with the technical requirements of a wide variety of foundation projects and implement them in a practical manner.
✔️ Deep foundation suitable for the site conditions
The foundation is designed to accommodate the actual soil conditions in the coastal area, ensuring that loads are safely transferred to load-bearing layers.
✔️ Experience with difficult soil conditions
Whether it’s soft soil, varying soil layers, or areas affected by water: The design takes these conditions into account from the very beginning.
✔️ Technology for challenging soil and site conditions
By using appropriate drilling equipment, deep foundations can be reliably installed even on soft soils with low bearing capacity and at hard-to-reach construction sites in coastal areas.
✔️ Smooth coordination throughout the construction process
The work is scheduled so that it fits into the workflow on the construction site and does not cause any unnecessary delays.
✔️ Certified environmental protection in accordance with DVGW W120-1
We strictly adhere to environmental regulations. This helps protect soil and water bodies.
✔️ A dedicated point of contact for your project
Throughout the entire implementation process, you’ll have a direct point of contact who will monitor progress and be available to answer any questions.
We'll bring your coastal construction project to life in 3 steps
1. Project Meeting
To begin with, we’ll clarify the key details of your coastal construction project.
Where is the construction site located? What are the known soil conditions? What documentation is already available? And by when should the project be completed?
Based on this information, we can realistically estimate the scope of work.
2. Quote for Your Deep Foundation
You will receive a detailed proposal for your coastal project.
All services related to deep foundation work are clearly itemized, so you’ll know exactly what to expect from the very beginning.
3. On-site Implementation
As soon as everything has been finalized, we’ll begin deep foundation work at your construction site on the North Sea. We’ll carry out the work in a way that fits your construction schedule and keep you updated on our progress throughout the process.
Request a quote for your coastal project now
Click on “Request Now” to schedule a consultation with Thade Gerdes. Tell us about your coastal construction project, and we’ll discuss the initial details regarding the assessment of the building site, suitable deep foundations, and planning.
About Thade Gerdes
Since its founding in 1900, Thade Gerdes, a drilling company based on the North Sea coast, has been known for its expertise in dealing with challenging ground conditions. Over the decades, the company has established itself in northern Germany and beyond East Frisia as a specialist in coastal construction projects.
Rimt Wortberg
Managing Partner, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (TU)
As managing partner, Rimt Wortberg is responsible for Thade Gerdes’ strategic direction as a drilling company in the North Sea. In addition to strategic development, he oversees sales, public relations, and commercial operations, and ensures that coastal projects are carried out cost-effectively and reliably.
Hauke Anbergen
Managing Partner, Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
As managing partner, Hauke Anbergen is responsible for the continued development of Thade Gerdes as a drilling company in the North Sea.
In addition to his role in company management, he is driving the expansion of the Hamburg-area location and oversees drilling projects along the coast of that region.
Erwin Fisser
Authorized Signatory, Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (University of Applied Sciences)
As an authorized signatory, Erwin Fisser is responsible for all technical operations at Thade Gerdes.
He manages the machinery and vehicle fleet, coordinates transportation and logistics, and ensures that materials and equipment are reliably available at construction sites along the coast.
Imke Hoefer-Aeils
Authorized Signatory, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (University of Applied Sciences)
As an authorized signatory, Imke Hoefer-Aeils is responsible for operational processes at Thade Gerdes.
She manages day-to-day operations, coordinates billing and documentation, and ensures that coastal projects are carried out in a structured and transparent manner. She also heads the occupational safety department.
Felix Harms
M.Sc. in Civil Engineering
As head of the pile foundation department, Felix Harms is responsible for project planning and cost estimation at Thade Gerdes.
He ensures that deep foundations in coastal areas are technically sound and implemented cost-effectively.
Sonja Büscher
Head of the Secretariat
As head of the secretariat, Sonja Büscher is your primary point of contact at Thade Gerdes.
She coordinates inquiries, provides behind-the-scenes support to the organization, and ensures that your concerns regarding coastal projects are quickly addressed.
Would you like to join our team?
Frequently Asked Questions About Drilling Companies in the North Sea
Why is a soil investigation important for my project?
A site investigation determines whether the subsoil is suitable for your project. It provides the essential data needed to identify potential risks and optimize the costs of your building’s foundation. A site investigation is therefore a crucial prerequisite for the stability of your construction project.
What is the typical process for a soil investigation?
A site investigation involves drilling with soil sampling and test pits to determine the strength of the subsoil. Upon your request, we will analyze the soil samples and prepare a report containing the investigation results as well as recommendations for the construction project.
What criteria should I consider when choosing a provider for soil investigation services?
How long will it take to receive the results of my soil investigation?
How can I make sure that my building site is stable enough?
What are the most common challenges in site investigations and
, and how do you address them?
, and how do you address them?
Which regions does THADE GERDES cover for site investigations?
What's the fastest way to get a quote from THADE GERDES?
If you already have the necessary documents, simply send us a request at info@thade-gerdes.de. If not, please feel free to call us.
Do you have any other questions? Just get in touch with us, and we’ll call you back as soon as possible!
What does a drilling company do in the North Sea?
A drilling company in the North Sea performs deep foundation work, in which structural loads are transferred to deeper, load-bearing soil layers. This is particularly important in coastal areas, as soils near the surface are often soft and water-saturated.
When is deep foundation construction necessary in coastal areas?
Deep foundations are required when the surface soil does not provide sufficient bearing capacity. This applies to many construction projects in coastal areas, where high soil moisture, varying soil layers, and groundwater affect stability.
What methods does a drilling company use in the North Sea?
Depending on the site conditions, various methods are used, such as bored piles, micropiles, or displacement piles. The technique used depends on the soil conditions and the requirements of the construction project.
How does working with a drilling company work?
First, the general parameters of the project are clarified. This is followed by the planning of the deep foundation and the preparation of a bid. Once approved, the work is carried out on-site and integrated into the construction schedule.
How long does it take to install deep foundations in a coastal area?
The duration depends on the project size, the site conditions, and the scope of the work. Smaller projects can be completed within a few days, while larger construction projects require more time.
Why is experience in coastal areas so important?
Assessing building sites in coastal areas is often difficult. Experience helps identify risks early on and select the appropriate foundation system, thereby preventing settlement, damage, and delays.