GBM Works to build prototype for silent monopile installation

GBM Works has received a EUR 1.8 million grant from RVO.nl to construct a prototype of its monopile installation technology that is said to minimize noise pollution.

The TU Delft spin-off is developing a method which uses a waterjet to liquefy the soil on the inside of the tube, which, in combination with vibrating the pile, removes the resistance and the monopile sinks easily into the ground.

The new foundation method was tested last fall at Maasvlakte and, according to GBM Works, it showed a significant reduction in noise pollution and the jet-gun installation technology appears to work twice as deep and four times as fast.

Additionally, the associated simulation model has also been validated and is said to provide an accurate prediction of the desired depth, speed and corresponding machine settings.

“In the coming years many wind turbines will be placed at sea to achieve the EU climate targets. However, the construction has an enormous impact on marine life. In particular, the noise underwater causes a lot of nuisance for the environment,” said Founder and Director Ben Arntz.

“With our technology, we not only ensure that the environmental nuisance disappears, it also makes construction faster and therefore cheaper.”

GBM Works is also participating in the SIMOX project on sustainable installation and decommissioning of XXL monopiles for large next-generation offshore wind turbines.