Reef Enhancement for Scour Protection

Offshore wind turbine structures are exposed to dynamic marine environments where strong currents and waves can erode (scour) the seabed around their bases. Currently, this problem is managed with rock armour solutions that stabilise the seabed but are not designed for ecological enhancement. At Rampion Offshore Windfarm, several turbine locations were identified as at risk of scour, including turbine location JO4, which showed a developing scour pit of 2–3 metres. RESP is piloting an alternative approach to scour protection using innovative structures that also benefits marine life.