The Big Bubble Curtain

Compressed air techniques are used in various applications to mitigate environmental impacts. The Big Bubble Curtain reduces underwater noise during offshore activities, protecting marine life. Compressed air systems prevent ice formation by circulating warmer water. Air barriers act as eco-friendly blockades against jellyfish, sediment, and oil, maintaining clean and safe aquatic environments. Additionally, the Bubble Barrier captures plastic in rivers, preventing it from reaching the oceans without disrupting river functions.

The Big Bubble Curtain: How It Works

The big bubble curtain (BBC) is a cutting-edge technology that creates a barrier of air bubbles around the site of underwater noise production. This barrier effectively attenuates the sound, reducing the noise levels that reach marine animals. The BBC is created by releasing compressed air through a hose system placed on the seabed, which forms a continuous curtain of bubbles as the air rises to the surface. This curtain acts as a physical and acoustic barrier, significantly lowering the sound levels in the surrounding water.

Mitigating Sound with Compressed Air: Protecting Marine Life and Promoting Sustainable Offshore Operations

Offshore operations often produce significant underwater noise, particularly during activities like pile driving and the detonation of underwater munitions. These sounds can be detrimental to marine life, especially species such as harbor porpoises and seals that rely on ultrasound for navigation and communication. At Weyres Offshore, we are committed to mitigating these impacts through innovative sound reduction technologies, specifically the use of compressed air.

Economic Impact of Sound Mitigation

Implementing sound mitigation techniques using compressed air has profound economic and environmental benefits:

Protecting Marine Biodiversity: The reduction of harmful noise levels helps preserve marine life populations, which are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems. This protection is crucial for fisheries and tourism industries that rely on vibrant marine environments.
Regulatory Compliance: Many countries have stringent regulations regarding underwater noise pollution. Utilizing BBC technology helps companies comply with these regulations, avoiding costly fines and project delays. For instance, in Germany, offshore wind projects must adhere to strict noise limits to protect marine mammals, with non-compliance potentially resulting in significant penalties.
Operational Efficiency: By mitigating sound effectively, project timelines can be optimized, reducing the risk of delays caused by environmental concerns. This efficiency translates into cost savings and improved project profitability.
Positive Public Perception: Companies that prioritize environmental stewardship and sustainable practices are viewed more favorably by the public and stakeholders. This positive perception can lead to enhanced brand loyalty and better market positioning.

Numbers to Consider

According to a study by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), the implementation of BBC technology in offshore wind farm construction resulted in a 90% reduction in sound pressure levels. This reduction is crucial for the protection of marine life and aligns with environmental regulations, thus facilitating smoother project approvals and implementation.Furthermore, the economic benefits of preserving marine biodiversity cannot be overstated. For example, the global whale-watching industry, which relies on healthy marine ecosystems, generates over $2 billion annually. Protecting marine mammals through sound mitigation can help sustain and potentially grow such industries

Additional Use Cases of Compressed Air

Beyond sound mitigation, compressed air technology has several other applications that contribute to environmental and operational benefits:

Keeping Water Ice-Free

A seabed-installed hose system releases compressed air to maintain water movement, preventing ice formation by bringing warmer water from the bottom to the surface. This technique is essential in maintaining navigable waterways in cold climates, ensuring the continuity of maritime activities.

Barrier Against Jellyfish

The compressed air jellyfish barrier creates an upward current that divides into horizontal currents at the surface, effectively blocking jellyfish, seaweed, sediment, and saltwater. This eco-friendly solution is beneficial for protecting aquaculture and industrial water intakes.

Sediment Containment

Similar to the jellyfish barrier, the compressed air sediment barrier prevents the movement of sediments, safeguarding sensitive marine habitats and maintaining water quality.

Oil Containment

Used for over five decades, the compressed air oil barrier effectively contains floating oil and debris, preventing environmental contamination in ports, rivers, and industrial areas.

Bubble Barrier for River Cleaning from Plastic Pollution

This innovative solution captures plastic across the width and depth of rivers, preventing it from reaching the oceans. The system operates continuously, ensuring rivers remain clean without disrupting their natural flow.

At Weyres Offshore, we are dedicated to advancing the use of compressed air for various environmental and operational applications. Our primary focus remains on sound mitigation to protect marine life and promote sustainable offshore activities. By embracing these technologies, we can achieve a balance between industrial progress and environmental preservation, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.