Successful full-scale offshore monopile installation with EQ-Piling reaching TRL 9

The monopile was driven to the target installation depth using EQ‑Piling, followed by reference piling under comparable conditions with an IQIP impact hammer. With this successful full-scale installation, IQIP has achieved TRL 9 for its EQ‑Piling technology, confirming its readiness for future deployment.

The installation, including the handling and operation of the EQ‑Piling system, was successfully prepared and executed by a joint IQIP–DEME team aboard DEME’s top-in-class offshore installation vessel Orion. It marks a proud milestone for all parties involved, including consortium partners EnBW and Vattenfall.

A comprehensive measurement campaign was carried out, deploying sensors, geophones, hydrophones, and accelerometers to assess underwater noise levels and evaluate the performance of the EQ‑Piling technology.

From idea to reality
As installation limits continue to tighten – and conventional methods increasingly rely on additional noise mitigation measures to comply – the industry needs a quieter alternative. EQ‑Piling delivers exactly that.

Instead of short, high‑energy impacts, EQ‑Piling applies a prolonged, controlled force generated by a large seawater‑filled tank. The tank is hydraulically lifted and automatically released, impacting buffer cylinders that extend the impact duration by 15 to 20 times compared with conventional impact piling. This smoother energy transfer significantly reduces underwater noise, as well as pile fatigue, while still delivering the power required to drive large monopiles to depth.

The monopile was driven to its target installation depth, marking the achievement of TRL 9 and confirming EQ‑Piling’s readiness for deployment in future offshore wind projects.

Looking ahead
Initial results confirm strong performance. These early findings demonstrate both the technical capability and operational reliability of EQ‑Piling, reinforcing our confidence in its future application across offshore wind projects.