IQIP
divider wave tranparant blue

Noise mitigation for pile driving

Minimise sound exposure according to the strictest regulations

Download the Leaflet

Effectively reduce noise levels with smooth, silent energy transfer

For over 15 years, IQIP has been at the forefront of innovation and expertise in noise reduction solutions for pile driving. Based on considerable practical expertise and theoretical knowledge, these solutions ensure environmentally friendly installation. Pile driving for onshore and offshore installations needs to provide the force required to overcome soil resistance while simultaneously reducing noise to meet regulations for airborne and underwater sound levels. Effective noise reduction during pile driving isn’t optional, it’s essential.

As significant offshore wind growth leads to installation of significantly larger monopile foundations at greater depths, more force is needed. This means more noise while mitigation legislation is becoming stricter.

IQIP offers proven technology for effective noise mitigation during pile driving, which complies with the strictest regulations. We are your trusted partner in laying the foundations for successful projects and a sustainable future.

What is source mitigation for pile driving?

Noise control during pile driving works in two ways. Secondary mitigation, such as a big bubble curtain, treats the sound after it has already left the pile. Source mitigation reduces the sound before it is created, by changing how energy enters the pile. Both have their place, but source mitigation takes cost, vessel time, and risk out of your installation spread.

Our source mitigation portfolio works at the point of impact. PULSE® extends the duration of every hammer blow. EQ-Piling replaces the falling steel ram with a water mass, stretching impact time by a factor of 15 to 20. Because less noise is produced in the first place, you need fewer secondary measures to stay inside your permit.

Noise abatement systems for offshore pile driving

Noise Mitigation Systems

Deck Guided NMS

Reduce pile driving noise levels and operational time, boost accuracy, and create a safer working environment. This integrated system provides a longer installation window which significantly contributes to cost reduction.

The system directs the monopile with the upper and lower guiding arms for accurate inclination. It safeguards against the impact of waves and currents.

More about our integrated monopile installer
NMS Deck Guided 1

Noise Mitigation Systems

NMS-T-10000

With a width of 45 meters, the template base ensures sufficient stability for the installation of the largest monopiles worldwide and the capability to handle monopiles up to 10.0 meters across. The NMS-T-10000 can be used from a floating vessel and can keep monopiles vertical, rotating them to the correct heading. Its integrated template has a levelling system to ensure alignment and stability.

NMS T 10000 Noise Mitigation

PULSE®

Advanced noise mitigation for hydraulic hammers

Reduce noise levels significantly at source. Our damping system (hammer add-on) positioned between the hammer and sleeve can be used with IQIP’s existing hammers. Enhanced efficiency enables smooth, silent energy transfer over longer impact duration whenever possible. Short, intense energy transmission with high peak force is only applied when soil conditions are particularly challenging.

More about PULSE®
Pulse Offshore Noise Mitigation

EQ-Piling

Our innovative pile‑driving concept works by dropping a large water‑filled tank, where the controlled deceleration of the falling mass delivers a long‑duration blow to the pile. This new technology makes noise-compliant next-generation monopile installation possible. EQ-Piling offers numerous advantages, such as noise reduction, no additional mitigation measures, lower costs, decreased carbon emissions, and greater efficiency.

More about EQ-Piling
EQ Piling Offshore Noise Mitigation

Noise Mitigation challenges and solutions in offshore wind

The strong impulsive noise associated with offshore wind pile driving is potentially harmful to marine life. IQIP is always open to dialogue and happy to work with biologists, regulatory bodies, and developers to ensure ongoing offshore wind farm development in harmony with marine life. Our pile driving procedures and damping systems not only focus on ensuring the smallest possible environmental impact – they also help provide a longer installation window and contribute to cost reduction. By continuously investing in R&D, we maintain our leading position, offering advanced solutions that continue to reduce environmental impact and boost project efficiency and success.

Airborne noise mitigation solutions for onshore pile driving

Noise Reduction System (NRS)

Proven noise abatement for pile driving

NRS enables safe pile driving in urban areas without the need for temporary noise barriers or restricted time slots. By enclosing both the hammer impact area and the full pile length, NRS reduces noise levels to 80 dB(A) at just 20 meters from the hammer, compared to 100 meters without NRS. This significantly limits noise exposure while maintaining efficient piling operations.

Read more
NRS

Onshore PULSE

Ensure safe working and minimize damage due to noise pollution when pile driving. This Hydrohammer® add-on is positioned between the pile driving hammer and sleeve and damps impact and noise with two hydraulic plungers. The volume in between the plungers can be filled with oil. This controls the impact characteristic, reducing noise at source.

Read more
Onshore Pulse IQIP 1

Brochures and Track Records

NMS-Noise Mitigation Systems Leaflet

Leaflet Noise Mitigation

Discover IQIP’s innovative Noise Mitigation System—engineered to meet strict offshore regulations while ensuring efficient, eco-friendly installations.
Download now
Leaflet-Pulse

Leaflet Pulse

To ensure the continuous growth of the offshore wind industry, a new step in our development programme is the innovative piling method ‘PULSE’.
Download now
Track Record Offshore Wind - IQIP

Track Record Offshore Wind

Our aim is to support you with innovative equipment that provides increased efficiency and safety on your installation projects.
Download now
Leaflet EQ-Piling

Leaflet EQ-Piling

Reducing noise thanks to prolonged, gradual energy transfer. EQ-Piling offers significant benefits for monopile installation projects.
Download now
Cases
Offshore Wind

Gode Wind, Noise Mitigation System in Germany

IQIP has provided its latest innovation in noise mitigation with the NMS-8000 on an offshore project.
View case
Offshore Wind

Tackling underwater noise at source, Pulse

IQIP is supporting the contractor, DEME, and project developer, Parkwind NV, with an innovative piling method known as Pulse.
View case
Offshore Wind

Borkum Riffgrund 2 in Germany

In spring 2018, IQIP’s no-hands-on-deck approach ensured client Jan De Nul a 20 percent time saving.
View case
View more cases

Frequently asked questions about pile driving equipment

What is pile driving noise mitigation?

Pile driving noise mitigation refers to technologies and methods used to reduce underwater and airborne noise generated during pile installation. As offshore wind foundations continue to grow in size, the energy required for installation increases, making effective noise reduction essential to comply with environmental regulations and protect marine life. IQIP offers a range of proven noise mitigation solutions that help contractors meet even the strictest sound exposure limits while maintaining installation efficiency.

Underwater noise generated during pile installation can impact marine mammals, fish, and other marine species. Many countries have therefore introduced strict regulations governing allowable noise levels during offshore construction. Effective pile driving noise reduction helps developers obtain permits, minimise environmental impact for marine mammals, reduce project risk, and maintain installation schedules.

IQIP offers multiple noise abatement systems designed for different project requirements:

  • PULSE®, which reduces noise at the source by extending the duration of the hammer impact. A unique add-on to the Hydrohammer IQ-series, which can be adjusted in the project delivering maximum possible noise reduction.
  • Noise Mitigation Systems (NMS), which create physical barriers that block 99.9% of all underwater noise transmission.
  • EQ-Piling technology, this is not an abatement system but a source mitigation solution which enables next-generation noise-compliant monopile installation through a fundamentally different energy transfer method. It eliminates the need for other abatement systems such as big bubble curtains.

PULSE® is an add-on for hydraulic impact hammers that is installed between the hammer and sleeve. The system transfers energy over a longer period of time, reducing peak impact forces and significantly lowering underwater noise at the source. Its adaptability during the projet ensures the maximum noise reduction is achieved for every pile. In addition to noise reduction, PULSE® can reduce pile fatigue and improve installation efficiency.

The most effective solution depends on project-specific factors such as water depth, monopile size, soil conditions, environmental requirements, and local regulations. In many projects, the best results are achieved by combining multiple technologies, such as PULSE® with an NMS system. Groundbreaking is EQ-Piling technology ensuring to stay below all limits. Noise and CO2 included. IQIP’s specialists can evaluate project conditions and recommend the most suitable noise mitigation strategy to ensure compliance and optimise installation performance.

Yes. Modern noise mitigation technologies make it possible to install even the largest offshore wind foundations while complying with some of the world’s strictest environmental regulations. IQIP’s solutions, including PULSE® and EQ-Piling technology, have been developed specifically to support safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible foundation installation.

Related Insights

The offshore sub-sea debut of PULSE® installing pin piles

The offshore sub-sea debut of PULSE® installing pin piles

Read more
EQ Piling Launch 3

Breaking new ground: EQ-Piling in action

Read more
NMS-T10000

IQIP NMS and PULSE® enable significant noise reduction at He Dreiht Project

Read more
noise mitigation system

Embarking on a mission: NMS-T-10000 stands ready for its voyage to the ‘He Dreiht’ offshore wind farm

Read more
Can we optimise your foundation installation project?
Talk to our experts today!