Traditional methods for installing offshore wind turbine foundations, such as impact piling, create loud, impulsive noise that travels long distances underwater. This noise can disturb the natural behaviours of marine animals, including whales, dolphins, and fish, sometimes causing them to move out of the area or inflicting physical harm. Recognising the need for a quicker, quieter, more sustainable approach, Venterra has invested in advanced solutions that significantly reduce underwater noise during construction.
One of the most effective technologies Venterra employs is vibrodriving. Unlike impact hammers, vibrodriving uses vibration to drive monopile foundations into the seabed. This method generates far less impulsive noise, making it a much more environmentally friendly option. Vibrodriving not only protects marine life but also speeds up the installation process and reduces the overall environmental footprint of offshore wind projects.
Venterra’s commitment to quieter construction methods is already making a difference in the field. At the Moray West Offshore Wind Farm in the UK, our CAPE Vibro Lifting Tool was used to install some of the world’s largest monopiles. This approach dramatically reduced noise levels during the bulk of the installation, with impact hammers used only for final adjustments when necessary. In the Netherlands, the Ecowende project is piloting the innovative Vibrojet® system, which combines vibration with internal jetting for an even more efficient installation. Both projects serve as powerful examples of how new technology can deliver both environmental and operational benefits.
Understanding and managing underwater noise demands rigorous scientific analysis. That’s where INSPIRE Environmental, part of the Venterra family, comes in. INSPIRE provides advanced marine acoustic modelling and monitoring services, helping project teams predict, measure, and minimise the impact of construction noise on marine life. Their expertise ensures that every project meets regulatory requirements and, more importantly, upholds the highest standards of environmental stewardship.
Through our involvement in the PURE WIND project, we are helping to shape the future of offshore wind on a global scale. This international research initiative brings together experts from seven countries, including acousticians, biologists, ecologists, oceanographers, and social scientists to study the effects of offshore wind noise on marine ecosystems. Our team at GDG plays a key role in developing new tools and methodologies that will benefit the entire industry.
Dr. Kathleen J. Vigness-Raposa, Vice President at INSPIRE Environmental, is a recognised leader in marine bioacoustics. Her research, including her leadership of a special issue and influential paper on the verification and validation of underwater sound models, ensures that our noise mitigation strategies are grounded in robust, peer-reviewed science. This dedication to transparency and science-based decision-making sets Venterra apart as a trusted partner in sustainable offshore wind development.
Venterra’s integrated approach in combining quieter installation technologies, world-class acoustic science, and international research collaboration, demonstrates what is possible when innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. By leading the way in minimising underwater sound, we are not only protecting marine life but also helping to ensure that offshore wind remains a truly sustainable solution for the world’s energy needs.
