Amsterdam’s GBM Works Secures €6M to Advance Silent Offshore Wind Installation Technology
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Loading... - Arturo Ortiz
- 06 Dec 2024
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Amsterdam-based GBM Works has successfully secured the first close of a €6 million seed funding round to further develop its innovative Vibrojet technology, designed for the silent installation of offshore wind monopiles. This funding round has garnered support from a range of investors, including Rotterdamse Havendraken, Katapult Ocean, the EIC Fund, and existing shareholders, with the potential to increase the total funding to €7.5 million through co-investors.
Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the EIC Fund Board, expressed enthusiasm for the investment, stating, “EIC Fund’s investment in solutions like Vibrojet aligns with our mission to support promising technologies that drive both environmental and economic sustainability.” She emphasized confidence in GBM Works' ability to reduce marine noise pollution while facilitating the growth of offshore wind energy.
The offshore wind sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by global renewable energy targets and the increasing scale of projects. This expansion has created a pressing demand for sustainable and noise-reducing installation methods. GBM Works, a spin-off from Delft University, has developed the Vibrojet, which offers a silent installation technique that significantly reduces underwater noise pollution. This innovative method not only addresses environmental concerns but also complies with stricter marine noise regulations, promoting the sustainability of offshore wind projects.
Unlike traditional pile-driving methods, the Vibrojet provides a quieter and more eco-friendly alternative, minimizing harm to marine ecosystems and advancing greener energy solutions. The technology's versatility extends beyond offshore wind, with potential applications in decommissioning, jacket piling, mooring, and various infrastructure projects, all contributing to global climate goals.
Ross Brooks, Investment Director at Katapult Ocean, highlighted the importance of the Vibrojet, stating, “We are excited to be part of GBM Works’ journey as they take their innovative technology to the next level. The Vibrojet is a perfect example of how technological advancement can go hand-in-hand with oceanic stewardship, helping to ensure a greener future for offshore wind energy.”
The capital raised will be utilized to support the final development stages of the Vibrojet technology, including the SIMPLE III offshore test scheduled for March 2025. This test is co-funded by 13 industry partners, including major players such as Shell, Eneco, Vattenfall, EnBW, Ecowende, Seaway7, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, DEME Offshore, CAPE Holland, Van Oord, GROW, Deltares, and TNO.
Additionally, the funding will facilitate the first commercial deployment of the Vibrojet technology in collaboration with Ecowende at the Hollandse Kust West VI wind farm, set to take place in early 2026. These milestones are crucial for demonstrating the feasibility of GBM Works’ silent installation technology for large-scale offshore wind projects.
Govert Meijer, CEO of GBM Works, remarked, “Our intrinsically silent installation technology is set to transform the way offshore wind farms are built, significantly reducing underwater noise to protect marine ecosystems.” He added, “This funding marks a transformative step forward in our mission, enabling us to validate our Vibrojet technology at full scale offshore and pave the way for its first commercial deployment.”
As GBM Works advances its Vibrojet technology, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of offshore wind energy, balancing the need for sustainable development with the protection of marine environments.
