ACOUSTIC SIMULATIONS OF VIBRATORY INSTALLATION OFFSHORE

Publieke samenvatting / Public summary

Aanleiding
Offshore wind energy is an essential component in the transition towards sustainable energy sources. However, traditional installation methods, such as impact hammering, generate high levels of underwater noise, harming marine life and hindering offshore wind technologies' growth. To address this challenge, this project, titled Acoustic Simulations of Vibratory Installation Offshore (ASVIO), focuses on developing and validating advanced predictive models for vibratory pile driving—a quieter alternative to impact hammering. By improving the predictability of sound emissions and optimising installation methods, this project aims to reduce environmental disturbances and support the growth of offshore wind energy.

Doelstelling
The primary goal of the ASVIO project is to enhance the understanding and predictability of sound emissions generated during the vibratory installation of monopiles. This knowledge will enable the development of reliable prediction tools that can assess the environmental impact of these installations, helping contractors and governmental bodies minimise sound pollution risks, shape environmental regulations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, the project aims to explore the ecological implications of vibratory pile driving and develop guidelines to optimise installation methods, thereby contributing to more sustainable offshore wind farm development.

Korte omschrijving
The ASVIO project is structured into six key work packages: 1. Software Integration and Standardization: This involves developing and integrating existing software tools to model vibratory pile driving and predict underwater noise. 2. Measurement Data Acquisition: High-quality data on sound and vibration from previous and upcoming offshore wind farm developments utilising vibratory installations will be collected and analysed to prepare validation of the predictive models in the next steps. 3. Validation and Calibration: The models will undergo rigorous validation against benchmark data sets to ensure their accuracy and reliability in different scenarios. 4. Ecological Impact Assessment: The project will study the correlation between sound emissions and ecological impact, exploring mitigation strategies such as big bubble curtains. 5. Dissemination: The results of the project will be shared with industry stakeholders through workshops, reports, and/or presentations, helping to build trust in vibratory installation methods. 6. Project Management: This covers the project's coordination, communication, and administrative aspects to ensure timely and successful execution.

Resultaat
By the end of the project, ASVIO will have validated a computational tool that can reliably predict the sound emissions generated during vibratory pile driving. This tool will be made available to the market, supporting contractors, developers, and governmental bodies in their efforts to minimise the environmental impact of offshore wind installations. The project will also produce technical reports documenting the findings, including benchmark studies, model validations, and ecological impact assessments. These outcomes will significantly advance the understanding of vibratory installation techniques and contribute to the sustainable development of offshore wind energy.