Meeting underwater noise standards during offshore foundation installation

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The construction of large-scale offshore energy infrastructure requires strict adherence to underwater noise regulations to protect marine ecosystems. In the German North Sea, where projects like Gode Wind and He Dreith are situated, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) sets clear limits on sound exposure levels. Meeting these standards while maintaining the pace of installation demands a highly integrated approach to noise mitigation technology.

Providing a physical barrier with the noise mitigation system

The noise mitigation system (NMS) acts as a high-performance acoustic shield during the driving process. This double-walled, insulated sleeve is placed around the monopile, creating an air-filled chamber that effectively dampens the transmission of sound waves into the surrounding water.

• Acoustic energy absorption: The system is designed to absorb and deflect up to 99,9% of the sound waves across a wide frequency range.
• Stability and guidance: Beyond its acoustic function, the NMS provides a stable guiding frame for the monopile, ensuring orientation and verticality even in challenging sea conditions.
• Operational integration: The system is engineered to be part of the standard installation spread, minimizing the impact on cycle times while ensuring full noise compliance.

Integrating high-energy piling with noise control

The driving of monopiles at the He Dreith project required a reliable source of impact energy capable of reaching target penetration depths in dense sand. The  Hydrohammer  IQ6 with PULSE was used in combination with the template NMS (T-NMS 10.000) to ensure that foundations were installed efficiently while staying within acoustic limits (reducing more than 21dB). This setup allows for real-time monitoring of both the driving force and the noise levels generated, ensuring that each blow is optimized for both structural integrity and environmental safety.

Demonstrated performance at the Gode Wind offshore wind farm

The deployment of the deck guided NMS-8000 a few years before at the Gode Wind project, already proved that large-scale foundations could be installed in compliance with the most stringent regulations. By successfully mitigating underwater noise, the project ensured the protection of marine mammals without compromising the logistical timeline of the 97 monopiles. The results confirmed that integrated noise reduction is a viable and necessary component of modern offshore construction.

The role of integrated expertise in sustainable growth

The success of complex offshore campaigns depends on the seamless coordination of specialized equipment and technical support. By sourcing integrated solutions from IQIP, developers and contractors can ensure that environmental compliance and operational efficiency are handled as a single objective. This holistic approach supports the further expansion of sustainable energy infrastructure while maintaining the highest standards of ecological preservation.