Strategic Blueprint

Explore Weyres Offshore’s strategic blueprint for advancing sustainable offshore noise mitigation solutions.

The Weyres Offshore Plan

Bernhary Weyres, Founder & CEO of Weyres Offshore, December 2010

In 2010, I embarked on a mission with a clear and ambitious vision: to address one of the most critical challenges facing the offshore industry—noise pollution during installations. The effects of underwater noise, particularly from pile driving and other construction activities, disrupt marine ecosystems and threaten marine life. At Weyres Offshore, we are dedicated to developing noise mitigation technologies that not only minimize the harmful impact of these activities but also support a sustainable future for our oceans.

Day 0

Identify the Core Challenge: Offshore construction, particularly pile driving for wind turbine foundations and other installations, produces significant underwater noise. This noise affects marine species and ecosystems, disrupting their natural behaviors and habitats. Understanding this, we recognized the urgent need to develop effective solutions that not only protect marine life but also maintain the operational efficiency that offshore projects demand.

Develop the Technology: Since 2010, we’ve focused on creating effective noise mitigation solutions that comply with stringent environmental regulations, particularly those of the BSH (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency). One of our key developments is the “BEKA-Schale,” designed to ensure environmentally sustainable foundations for wind energy installations. We also participated in the ESRa research project, deploying two of the five systems—our smaller, guided bubble curtain and the Beka system—which further advanced our technology in mitigating underwater noise.

First Commercial Project: In September 2010, we tested our system for the first time during the installation of the measurement mast for the “Nordsee-Ost” offshore wind farm project. This was a major milestone for Weyres Offshore. Currently, we are preparing for the construction of 48 foundations for this project. To accomplish this, we’re using two of our vessels, the “Beka-3” and “Jestan-5,” each equipped with two 1,100-meter-long bubble curtain hoses. This system ensures a significant reduction in noise levels, protecting marine life while allowing construction to continue seamlessly.

Sustainability as a Core Principle: We don’t just develop technology; we are committed to making the entire offshore industry more sustainable. Our innovations aim to balance industrial progress with environmental preservation. Looking forward, our goal is to make noise mitigation solutions a standard in offshore construction, driving a cleaner, quieter future for our oceans.

Whats's Next?: I believe that the future of offshore construction lies in finding harmony between technology and nature. At Weyres Offshore, we should constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in noise reduction. But I’m not satisfied with where we are today—I have a vision to further improve and refine our systems to make them even more effective and easier to deploy.

Our mission remains clear: to provide the most advanced and reliable noise mitigation solutions. I am committed to ensuring that as we build the offshore infrastructure of the future, we do so in a way that protects the marine ecosystems we depend on. Together, we can ensure that the oceans we work in today will thrive for generations to come

The Weyres Offshore Plan - Part II

Bernhary Weyres, Founder & CEO of Weyres Offshore, December 2014

The offshore industry is entering a new era, and with it comes a growing responsibility to balance innovation with environmental stewardship. Since 2010, I have led Weyres Offshore in the mission to develop pioneering noise mitigation solutions for offshore activities. Yet, as we look toward the future, it’s clear that our work is just beginning. The drive to protect marine ecosystems while ensuring efficient offshore operations must continue, and we are ready to lead the way

Expand and Refine

Integrating Noise Mitigation Across All Marine Sectors: While our initial efforts targeted offshore wind energy, we quickly realized that noise pollution affects more than just wind projects. Subsea construction, UXO clearance and other marine sectors face similar challenges. That’s why we are now adapting our technologies to suit the specific needs of these industries. Whether it’s for platforms in the North Sea or cable laying operations in the depths of the ocean, Weyres Offshore is committed to providing noise mitigation systems that not only comply with stringent environmental regulations but also improve project performance.

Scalable Solutions for Global Applications: From the outset, my goal has been to design systems that can be deployed globally, regardless of the scale or complexity of the offshore project. We have successfully built noise mitigation technologies capable of handling the largest offshore projects, and now we are focused on making these solutions more modular and scalable.

Smarter Operations: Over the years, we have continuously refined our technology, particularly with our large bubble curtain system. This sophisticated solution enables us to meet the stringent noise reduction threshold of 160 dB at 750 meters from the noise source, as required by the BSH StuK regulations. The large bubble curtain system involves laying one or two perforated hoses in a ring around the noise source, which release pressurized air to form a wall of bubbles from the seabed to the water’s surface. This barrier effectively breaks up sound waves, reducing noise levels and protecting marine life.

To improve efficiency, we’ve optimized the deployment process. By deploying the hoses under pressure, we prevent blockages and avoid twisting or kinking. We’ve also developed a specialized reel system that allows us to deploy up to three hoses simultaneously, improving operational efficiency.

Key advantages of our system include:

1. Deployment under pressure: This ensures that the hoses don’t twist or collapse and prevents particles from clogging the air outlets.

2. Simultaneous deployment of up to three hoses: This enables faster and more precise installation of double or triple bubble curtains.

3. Patented external and internal ballast chains: These simplify the process of reeling the hoses in and out.

4. Mounting frames for rapid mobilization: Our equipment can be quickly mobilized and demobilized on vessels, saving time.

5. Patented internal pressurization system: This system ensures reliable air supply and operation during deployment.

What’s Next?: We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in noise reduction. But I’m not satisfied with where we are today. I have a vision to further improve and refine our systems to make them even more effective and easier to deploy. The future of our industry will be defined by automation and smart technology, and noise mitigation is no exception.