Noise mitigation systems

Pile driving noise control for offshore environments

Acteon’s noise mitigation solutions deliver effective pile driving noise reduction for offshore wind and oil and gas projects operating in environmentally sensitive areas.

The Menck Noise Reduction Unit (MNRU) plays a pivotal role in our overall underwater noise mitigation strategy. It works seamlessly alongside near-field as well as far-field noise abatement systems, such as bubble curtains, providing a layered and highly effective noise reduction solution. MNRU reduces acoustic emissions at source, helping developers meet regulatory standards for underwater noise while ensuring piling efficiency. As a field-proven pile driving noise mitigation solution, the MNRU supports responsible, compliant foundation installation in busy or biologically sensitive waters.

80%

MNRU can achieve a reduction in noise levels of 9-12dB, equivalent to more than 80% underwater sound pressure reduction compared to conventional systems

How our noise mitigation systems work

The MNRU changes the force characteristics of the hammer to reduce the underwater noise to protect the environment. The six solid steel blocks inside the system transfer the energy over a longer period, which eliminates the force peak and consequently eases the underwater noise peak.

Find out more about our MNRU system

Act on underwater noise and piling performance

Piling operations in offshore wind and subsea infrastructure projects must meet increasingly strict underwater noise regulations. Acteon’s noise mitigation systems, including the MNRU, reduce underwater noise at the source to protect marine ecosystems and secure permitting compliance. Engineered for operational efficiency and ease of integration, these tools help minimise environmental risk without disrupting installation timelines or increasing cost and complexity.

Meeting offshore noise regulations

MNRU reduces sound at the pile-driving source, helping projects meet underwater noise limits and safeguard marine life. Consequently, it minimises the risks associated with obtaining permits and enhances public support for offshore wind and other marine construction initiatives.

Minimising environmental impact

As a compact pile driving noise mitigation tool, the MNRU helps reduce the area and intensity of underwater noise propagation without compromising on performance.

Compatible with critical foundation schedules

Designed for offshore efficiency, MNRU supports foundation installation timelines and minimises additional mobilisation or handling time.

Latest resources

Explore how Acteon’s noise mitigation technologies enable offshore wind and oil and gas projects to meet environmental obligations while maintaining schedule and performance.

Whitepapers

23 Apr 2026

Maximising project certainty in an uncertain offshore environment

Offshore installation sits on the project critical path where uncertainty has the greatest impact on cost, time and performance. This insight report explores how certainty can be improved by shifting from prediction alone to a more controlled, system-based approach to installation.

Pile driving

Offshore installation sits on the project critical path where uncertainty has the greatest impact on cost, time and performance. This report explores how certainty can be improved by shifting from prediction alone to a more controlled, system-based approach to installation.

European offshore wind leaders launch Searénité Consortium to advance marine noise mitigation

Chantiers de l’Atlantique, EDF power solutions, Heerema Marine Contractors, Menck, RTE, Sealence and Smulders have formed a consortium to develop a cutting-edge noise mitigation system for offshore wind operations. The growth of offshore renewable energy presents an important opportunity to further strengthen our commitment to responsible operations. Understanding and managing underwater noise becomes increasingly essential to protecting marine ecosystems. Activities such as ship traffic, sonar use, and offshore construction can affect marine life over large distances. Offshore wind farm installation is one of these activities.

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Looking to learn more?

Acteon’s teams can advise on how we can apply the MNRU for your next offshore piling project.

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Insight report: Anchored in certainty