Offshore Wind

Seiche provides specialist technology and complementary services for monitoring underwater acoustics, marine mammals and the wider marine environment that support offshore wind projects from early site selection through to decommissioning. By combining technical expertise in underwater noise, marine mammal science, fisheries acoustics and environmental monitoring, Seiche helps developers understand, manage and reduce the risks associated with offshore construction and operation while meeting regulatory requirements.

Scoping and Planning

During the scoping and planning stages, Seiche supports environmental impact assessments by developing underwater noise strategies, identifying key noise-sensitive receptors, and designing proportionate baseline surveys. Through deployment of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) systems, underwater sound recorders and oceanographic instrumentation, Seiche establishes robust baseline datasets on ambient noise, marine mammal occurrence and seasonal habitat use.

These data provide the evidence needed to inform impact assessments and consent applications.

Survey and Design

As projects move into survey and design, Seiche delivers underwater noise modelling to predict the propagation of sound from geophysical surveys, piling, UXO clearance, cable installation and vessel operations. The company evaluates potential impacts on marine mammals, fish and invertebrates, assesses cumulative effects with other offshore activities, and develops mitigation strategies aligned with national and international regulations, guidance and project license. Seiche also advises on monitoring requirements, helping developers design cost-effective programmes that satisfy regulators while reducing uncertainty.

Construction

During construction, Seiche supports real-time environmental management through underwater noise monitoring, acoustic verification measurements and mitigation effectiveness assessments. The company provides PAM systems, acoustic
monitoring equipment and experienced personnel to support Marine Mammal Mitigation Plans (MMMPs), ensuring that construction activities comply with licence conditions and minimise disturbance to protected species. Acoustic data collected during piling and other high-noise activities can be used to validate predictions, optimise mitigation measures such as soft starts or noise attenuation systems, and demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Operations

Throughout the operational phase, Seiche helps developers understand the long-term effects of offshore wind farms on the marine environment. This includes monitoring operational underwater noise from turbines and associated infrastructure,
assessing changes in ambient soundscapes, and evaluating how offshore structures influence marine mammal behaviour, fish distribution and biodiversity. By integrating acoustic monitoring with ecological surveys, Seiche provides evidence to support biodiversity and adaptive environmental management.

Decommissioning

As we approach the decommissioning stage, Seiche looks to apply the same expertise to assess and manage underwater noise associated with infrastructure removal, seabed disturbance and vessel activity. Baseline comparisons with earlier project phases enable developers to quantify environmental recovery and demonstrate compliance with decommissioning commitments. Where infrastructure is retained or partially removed, Seiche can assess the ongoing ecological value of artificial reef effects and the implications for marine habitats and species.

Across every phase of an offshore wind project, Seiche’s focus is on delivering high- quality scientific evidence through data collection using cutting edge, purpose driven technology that supports informed decision-making. Its expertise in underwater acoustics, marine ecology and environmental monitoring enables developers to minimise environmental impacts, reduce consenting risk, comply with evolving regulatory requirements and contribute to the sustainable development of offshore renewable energy while protecting marine life.