We have scooped up an award for our innovative underwater technology at a ceremony during the largest European commercial marine exhibition.
Our drive and vision for a healthy and functioning water environment has been recognised by Seawork’s Innovation Showcase within the 2023 European Commercial Marine Awards (ECMA). ECMA are always seeking out solutions to anthropocentric problems such as marine noise, pollution and impacts of climate change.
The ceremony brought together outstanding individuals and innovative companies from the vibrant and productive commercial marine industry.
The judging panel was made up of 10 CEOs and senior experts within the industry including the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI), Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and the UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA).
The judges’ comment on our award win: “A simple and effective bubble covering solution that minimises underwater noise we considered really innovative.”
Maritime Journal, a leading magazine covering news for the European Commercial Marine industry, took a closer look at our technology and award win.
A Bubble Curtain, also known as Bubble Tubing®, is the UK’s first underwater sound control innovation to bring construction noise below the danger level for salmon and other marine life when using piling or other underwater techniques which create noise pollution.
Frog Environmental won Seawork’s Innovation Showcase Underwater category.
John F Hunt Regeneration was the first company to use this innovative product to control noise from piling operations on the River Tyne.
A 91m long double line was designed and an agreement to use this new technology was obtained from the Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation. Independently verified acoustic measurements were taken during piling, with and without the operation of the bubble curtain, which confirmed its effectiveness.
Sound reductions greater than 20dB were recorded when the bubble curtain was in operation. This phenomenal 99% reduction in noise pollution brought worst-case noise levels down to 140db at 750m from the piling site, demonstrating assumptions made at the design stage were correct, achieving environmental protection as well as delivering significant operational efficiencies on site.
“We’re always seeking creative approaches to protect and enhance our natural environment. Using and developing innovative and low carbon technologies has been a gamechanger for the construction industry to ensure environmental protection.“
Leela O’Dea, Technical Director
The Science Behind Bubble Curtains
Bubble Tubing® is used to create a bubble curtain, a vertical wall of air bubbles that controls sound from construction activities and protects marine wildlife.
A unique perforated pipe which allows air to escape as fine bubbles, the pipe is weighted to the bed and air is pumped through the tube using a compressor. The compressor size and output is dictated by water depth, current, length and diameter of the tube, alongside the optimal airflow for sound mitigation to work correctly.
Mimicking how dolphins create a wall of bubbles to contain prey, this creative solution protects fish such as the Atlantic Salmon who cross through from marine environments to rivers and who are sensitive to changes within their environment. The bubbles absorb the sounds, preventing destructive vibrations from passing through the water whilst also oxygenating the water around the site.
Bubble Curtains can be used for marine and freshwater projects. They have wide application ranging from noise pollution to silt control, abstraction protection, inlet protection, litter and weed prevention and emergency aeration, and can be designed to suit the scale of the project.
Frog Environmental are underwater noise, oil, silt control and water quality specialists working with contractors, regulators and consultants within construction, utilities, marine and coastal and public sector industries across the UK and Europe.
We provide innovative solutions with a range of market-leading, sustainable products designed for projects large or small, in oceans, rivers, lakes and ponds. Follow our news and updates, find out more about our products, or contact us for technical support.