Controlling Sound, Sediment and Marine Life in Offshore Environments
A Bubble Curtain is created by releasing compressed air through diffusers installed on the seabed. The rising air forms a continuous column of bubbles that acts as a temporary barrier within the water column.
Jaeger Maritime Solutions supports clients with the engineering and implementation of project-specific bubble curtain systems, designed to meet the environmental conditions and operational requirements of each marine project.
Reducing Underwater Noise in Offshore Operations
Offshore activities such as pile driving, subsea construction, or UXO clearance can generate significant underwater noise. Managing these sound emissions is an important part of responsible offshore operations and project planning, particularly in sensitive marine environments.
Pile driving during the installation of offshore wind turbine foundations
Construction of bridges, ports, and marine infrastructure
UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) clearance, where controlled detonations may require acoustic mitigation measures
Other offshore construction activities that generate significant underwater noise
Many offshore projects must comply with strict environmental regulations that protect marine ecosystems. Marine mammals such as porpoises, dolphins, and whales are particularly sensitive to underwater noise, as they rely on sound for communication, navigation, and hunting.
Authorities in many regions therefore define maximum allowable underwater noise levels during offshore operations. Effective noise mitigation helps operators meet these requirements while reducing impacts on marine habitats.
Managing Sediment Dispersion in Marine Operations
Sediment control measures are commonly applied in projects such as:
Controlling the Movement of Marine Organisms
In many coastal and industrial water systems, it is important to control the movement of marine organisms within a defined area. Large concentrations of jellyfish, fish, or other biological material can interfere with marine operations and affect the performance of technical systems such as cooling water intakes or seawater processing facilities.
Biological barrier systems create a controlled underwater boundary that helps deter marine organisms from entering sensitive areas. By influencing local water conditions, these systems reduce the presence of biological material in critical zones while maintaining natural water exchange.
This helps operators maintain reliable system performance, stable operations, and reduced maintenance requirements in marine and coastal environments.
Typical applications for biological barriers include
Engineering and Implementation of Bubble Curtain Systems
Bubble curtain systems are used in a variety of marine and offshore applications where underwater conditions need to be controlled. Depending on the project, these systems may support noise mitigation, sediment control, or biological barriers.
To ensure reliable performance, each bubble curtain system must be carefully engineered and adapted to the specific project environment. Factors such as water depth, seabed conditions, currents, and available vessel space directly influence the design and operation of the system.
JMS provides full-service engineering and technical support for bubble curtain solutions, covering all stages from concept development to offshore deployment. Each system is individually designed to match the specific requirements of the project.
Our engineering services include
Air volume and airflow calculations
Project-specific system configuration
Installation and hose deployment design
One of the most demanding applications of bubble curtain systems is underwater noise mitigation during offshore construction activities. In these projects, bubble curtains are used to reduce the propagation of sound generated by operations such as pile driving or UXO clearance.
In the field of noise mitigation, bubble curtain systems are typically distinguished between near field and far field concepts. The difference refers to the position of the system relative to the noise source.
Bubble curtain systems used for noise mitigation are generally categorized as far field or near field systems. Far field systems are typically installed at a certain distance from the noise source and form a larger acoustic barrier surrounding the operational area.
Near field systems, in contrast, are positioned much closer to the noise source in order to reduce sound emissions directly at the point of origin.
Building on extensive experience with far field bubble curtain systems, JMS has developed a concept that allows this proven technology to be adapted for effective near field noise mitigation. By applying advanced engineering methods, optimized airflow management, and tailored system layouts, JMS can configure bubble curtain systems that operate close to the emission source while maintaining the robustness and scalability of established far field solutions.
This approach enables our clients to benefit from flexible and reliable noise mitigation systems adapted to specific project conditions.
Safe and efficient offshore operations require more than technical expertise. High standards in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), clear documentation, and structured operational processes are essential to ensure reliable project execution.
JMS integrates HSE principles into all project phases, from engineering and preparation to offshore deployment. Comprehensive technical documentation, procedures, and operational guidelines support safe installation, transparent communication, and efficient coordination between project stakeholders.
Operational experience is continuously incorporated into future developments through Lessons Learned and Customer Feedback. Insights from completed projects, operational observations, and client input are systematically evaluated and integrated into system designs, engineering methods, and working processes. This approach ensures that JMS solutions are continuously refined and aligned with the evolving requirements of offshore and marine projects.
The Foundation of Reliable Project Execution
Successful offshore operations depend not only on bubble curtain engineering but also on the right people and the right equipment. At Jaeger Maritime Solutions our assets form the foundation for delivering reliable and efficient bubble curtain solutions in demanding marine environments.
“Our employees are our strongest asset. The JMS team combines engineering expertise with offshore experience to successfully plan and execute complex marine projects.
Our specialists are experienced, motivated, and flexible, enabling them to adapt to changing project requirements and challenging offshore conditions while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.”
Over the past years, Jaeger Maritime Solutions has made significant investments in its equipment and technical infrastructure. Our equipment is regularly recognized by clients for its reliability, quality, and suitability for demanding offshore operations.
We possess all key components required to execute bubble curtain projects. This allows us to provide integrated solutions and ensures that projects can be implemented efficiently and reliably.
