Reducing Noise from Offshore Wind Piling: A Pilot

A Tender Notice
by DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS (DEFRA NETWORK ETENDERING PORTAL)

Source
Find a Tender
Type
Contract (Services)
Duration
4 year
Value
£1
Sector
PROFESSIONAL
Published
13 Dec 2024
Delivery
08 Feb 2025 to 31 Dec 2028
Deadline
13 Jan 2025 12:00

Concepts

Location

United Kingdom:

Geochart for 1 buyers and 0 suppliers

Description

Underwater noise is increasing in the marine environment. A key area of concern is impulsive noise which can be generated from a range of activities including piling during the installation of offshore wind turbine foundations. Without mitigation, mid-frequency sound, such as from impact piling, has been shown to cause permanent hearing loss, tissue damage and lethal injury to marine mammals. The sound can also result in disturbance effects, such as disruption of foraging and potential impacts to breeding, communication and navigation. This can be potentially more harmful at the population level as it can impact a larger number of marine mammals. Fish have also been shown to have lethal and sub-lethal effects from impulsive sounds. It is thought that piling can also cause physiological impacts to eggs and larvae as these life stages contain air sacs. Other impacts such as poor body condition post hatching could occur, in addition to behavioural impacts that can affect the population level. For example, if piling activity is to take place close to a known spawning bed or ground for herring during the key spawning period, the behaviour of the spawning herring could potentially be disturbed, leading to spawning taking place in less suitable locations, or not at all. Mackerel have demonstrated changes in their shoaling behaviour when exposed to piling noise and Atlantic cod have been shown to have delayed migrations to spawning grounds when exposed to pile driving noise.

Total Quantity or Scope

IntroductionUnderwater noise is increasing in the marine environment. … Mackerel have demonstrated changes in their shoaling behaviour when exposed to piling noise and Atlantic cod have been shown to have delayed migrations to spawning grounds when exposed to pile driving noise

Award Criteria

Quality 60
Sustainability and Social Value 10
price 30

CPV Codes

  • 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Indicators

  • This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
  • Renewals are not available.

Other Information

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Reference

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