Game-changing installation technique reduces noise almost to ambient levels

The groundbreaking technology has been successfully tested in Germany, proving that it can dramatically reduce noise levels during installation, potentially paving the way for a new generation of monopile foundations. 

“This technology is one of the greatest advancements yet in offshore wind foundation installation methodology,” said the company.

The new technique was tested at the Gode Wind 3 offshore windfarm. It uses patented jetting technology attached to a monopile which reduces the resistance of the surrounding soil, effectively allowing a foundation to sink into the seabed, replacing conventional installation techniques such as pile driving.

Ørsted carried out the tests together with Jan De Nul Group, using its installation vessel Les Alizés. Contractor Aarsleff was also involved.

Implementation of the new installation technology has resulted in a reduction in underwater noise levels of 99%, to a level 34 decibels lower than the most commonly used installation method, a level marginally above the ambient noise found in the German Bight in the North Sea. 

Beyond noise reduction, the new technology could, when adopted at scale, provide for more efficient and cost-effective installation of foundations. 11-MW wind turbines have already been installed on the foundations on the Gode Wind 3 project.

Ørsted  executive vice president and chief operating officer Patrick Hartnett said, “This new technology is a potential game changer for how we build offshore wind. Once industrialised, it could not only be cheaper, faster, and far quieter – without additional mitigation – than any other monopile installation technology, it also has the potential to make next-generation foundations lighter as they won’t need to be designed for conventional installation processes.” 

Ørsted has been developing the technology for several years and is looking into how to introduce the technology into its future pipeline, which includes assessing its feasibility in more complex ground conditions than the pure sand found at the Gode Wind 3 site.

Further regulatory approvals will also be needed before the technology can be implemented in other markets.