GBM Works, on behalf of the SIMPLE III partners, is excited to announce significant progress on the SIMPLE III project, a pivotal venture that aims to validate the offshore capabilities of the Vibrojet® technology. The SIMPLE III project, which commenced in August 2023, is a critical milestone for offshore wind energy, providing the market with proof that Vibrojet® is ready for large-scale offshore applications.
Project partners: Atlantic Shores, CAPE Holland, Deltares, DEME, ECOWENDE, EnBW, Eneco, GBM Works, Shell, TNO, Van Oord, Vattenfall and Seaway7. SIMPLE III is a GROW project.
About the SIMPLE III Project
SIMPLE III is led by GBM Works with the goal of advancing the Vibrojet® technology, an innovative solution for offshore windfarm installation. The project’s primary milestone is the offshore large-scale test, set to take place in March 2025, where Vibrojet® will be tested in real-world conditions. This technology offers a groundbreaking approach to monopile installation with minimized disturbance to marine mammals, addressing key environmental and operational concerns in offshore wind energy development.
The upcoming offshore tests are particularly significant as they will provide definitive evidence that Vibrojet® is ready for installation at large windfarms, including Hollandse Kust West VI, where it will be applied for the first time commercially.
Key Milestones Achieved
Since the start of the project, the project team has achieved several critical milestones:
Completion of Laboratory Tests
A special laboratory environment was built for this project, adapting the existing infra-structure available at Deltares. Together, GBM Works and Deltares performed scaled tests to check for potential movements of particles outside of the pile during Vibrojet® installations. Analysis of the results is ongoing but the first review indicates that limited movement occurs, serving as a good indication that the Vibrojet® does not have any effect outside the pile other than that generated by the Vibro.
Figure 1 - Left: original test set up with UV lights.
Right: UV traced particles in evidence after image processing, allowing for identification of patterns.
Manufacturing of the Test Monopile and Jetting Lines
The monopile, which will be installed several times during the offshore tests, has been manufactured by our partner Kersten, who also manufactured the jetting lines and fixated them in the monopile.
Figure 2 - Jetting Lines inside SIMPLE III’s Test Monopile.
Figure 3 - SIMPLE III Test Monopile at the production facility at Kersten.
Permit Granted
The project has successfully obtained an irrevocable permit from Rijkswaterstaat, the executive branch of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. This critical milestone officially authorizes the offshore testing activities to proceed within the designated Hollandse Kust West VI area. With this permit, regulatory approvals are now in place, clearing remaining procedural hurdles and ensuring full compliance with Dutch environmental and maritime regulations. This approval represents a significant step forward, reinforcing the project’s alignment with ecological goals and its commitment to advancing sustainable energy initiatives. The approach to the Bank Guarantee required for this Permit is being discussed amongst the partners.
Start of Mobilization Activities
Preparations for the offshore tests are progressing steadily, with Van Oord and GBM Works actively coordinating efforts at the mobilization site located at the Mammoet yard near Rotterdam, Netherlands. Here, the teams are conducting comprehensive, individual system tests to ensure all equipment is fully operational and meets the stringent requirements for offshore deployment. This preparation phase includes fine-tuning and verifying system functionality, integration and controls.
These systems will later be mobilized onto Van Oord’s MPI Adventure, a specialized vessel built for supporting complex offshore campaigns. Scheduled to initiate the test campaign in March 2025, the MPI Adventure will serve as the critical launchpad for executing offshore testing activities with precision and safety.
Van Oord’s extensive experience as a major contractor in offshore installation projects is invaluable, particularly as GBM Works transitions from a research and development-focused company to an emerging player in offshore equipment manufacturing. The close collaboration between Van Oord and GBM Works not only accelerates GBM Works’ operational readiness but also provides a unique learning platform, equipping GBM Works with the expertise needed to meet the rigorous demands of the offshore industry and positioning the company for a more established role within the sector.
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