MARIN seeks collaborators for second bubble screens research project

Green Marine and Green Marine Europe supporter MARIN (Martine Research Institute Netherlands) is inviting interested parties from the maritime industry, universities and research institutes to join in the follow-up to its successful Bubbles JIP.

Bubbles JIP (Joint Industry Project) involved a consortium of research institutes and industry partners involved in the offshore wind sector with the aim of achieving a more efficient and effective use of bubble curtains deployed for noise mitigation in offshore installation projects. Following the successful conclusion of the Bubbles JIP in 2023, MARIN is inviting relevant stakeholders to participate in Bubbles 2 JIP.

Although originally a European initiative, MARIN is now inviting interested parties from North America to join Bubbles-2 JIP to broaden the scope of practices and share wider knowledge. As a European and North American program supporter, MARIN would especially like to extend the invitation to Green Marine and Green Marine Europe members.

Bubble screens are often used to mitigate noise during the installation of offshore wind turbines, as the noise generated by the high-energy pile driving of the turbine foundations could potentially harm marine life. Improved engineering of the bubble screen would lead to better control of noise. A more efficient use of the bubble curtains will also limit the CO2 footprint by curtailing the use of the compressors required to set up the bubble curtains.

Lab tests were done to investigate parameters influencing the noise attenuation by air bubbles, as well as to understand bubble generation and growth. The research provided fascinating insight into the hydrodynamics of the bubble curtains, while acoustic tests measured the noise mitigation of the bubble screens.

The new research will focus on the operational use of bubble screens, the working principles of bubble screens in various operational situations, and ways to increase the effectiveness and energy efficiency. The influences of water depth and current will also be examined. The plan is to conduct medium and full-scale experiments.

With bubbles now also being used as air lubrication for vessels, they are showing additional possibilities to mitigate vessel noise. Any parties interested in participating in that research, are invited to contact MARIN.