Auteur/autrice : Samuel Jordery

The 4th edition of the Ocean Pitch Challenge, organized by RespectOcean and the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, brought together a global array of innovative solutions aimed at protecting our oceans. This international competition, which saw 218 applications from 49 countries, culminated in a finale where the most promising ideas were showcased. The Secretariat of State for the Sea and Biodiversity was in attendance to listen to the finalists’ pitches and engage with them about their innovative solutions designed to safeguard our marine ecosystems.

The Ocean Pitch Challenge: A Global Platform for Ocean Solutions

Insights from the Founder: Damien Demoor

According to Damien Demoor, “Winning the Ocean Pitch Challenge is a significant milestone for Greenov. The SubSea Quieter® is the result of years of research and development aimed at creating a solution that not only addresses underwater noise pollution but also enhances the sustainability of maritime construction projects.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, organizers RespectOcean and Sustainable Ocean Alliance, and the judges of the Ocean Pitch Challenge like. Special gratitude goes to the Greenov team, whose dedication and hard work made this achievement possible. Your support and collaboration are instrumental in driving innovation and creating sustainable solutions for our oceans.

To relive the excitement of the Ocean Pitch Challenge and see the interview done with our CEO Damien Demoor, have a look at the video below. We hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired us to continue working towards a sustainable future for our oceans.

All photo credits: Respect Ocean
Video credits: Ministères Transition Écologique Cohésion des Territoires Transition Énergétique Mer

Understanding the impact of underwater noise pollution

Underwater noise pollution is a significant threat to marine life worldwide. Human activities such as shipping, construction, and offshore drilling generate intense noise levels that disrupt the ocean’s delicate acoustic environment. Marine animals, including whales, dolphins and other marine species, rely on sound for communication, navigation, feeding and mating. The intrusion of anthropogenic noise can lead to a range of adverse effects, including stress, hearing loss, displacement, and even death. 
(Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)) 

Whale Conservation: A Critical Focus

The critical state of the North Atlantic right whale population has sparked significant alarm among marine conservationists. These majestic creatures, characterized by their massive bodies and distinctive callosities, are teetering on the edge of extinction with the population dropping to fewer than 360 individuals. Their struggle for survival is compounded by human activities that continue to threaten their existence in our vast oceans.

Among the primary hazards faced by these whales is the danger posed by outdated fishing gear. They often become entangled in heavy ropes and nets, which can cause severe injuries or even death. This predicament not only results in immediate physical harm but also leads to long-term implications for their health, making it difficult for them to feed, move, or breed effectively.

Ship strikes represent another significant threat to the North Atlantic right whale. The increasing vessel traffic through their migratory and feeding waters raises the likelihood of these tragic encounters. When a whale is hit by a large ship, the outcome can be fatal. It is not uncommon for such strikes to go unnoticed, and therefore, unreported, further complicating conservation efforts.

The situation has prompted the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to intensify its advocacy efforts. IFAW works tirelessly to promote stronger regulations and the adoption of whale-safe fishing practices. One of their strategies involves collaborating with fishermen to develop and implement fishing gear modifications that can reduce the risk of entanglement. Furthermore, they are advocating for better management of maritime traffic, including the adjustment of ship routes and the implementation of speed restrictions in critical habitat areas.

Source: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW))

Greenov’s Solution: The SubSea Quieter® 

At the heart of Greenov’s mission to combat underwater noise pollution lies the SubSea Quieter® (SSQ), an innovative cleantech solution designed to reduce the harmful effects of underwater noise generated by human activities. Developed in collaboration with industry experts and research partners, the SSQ utilizes advanced membrane technology to mitigate noise pollution from sources such as coastal and pile driving works and offshore wind turbine installations. By creating a barrier between underwater sound waves and marine life, the SSQ helps protect vulnerable species and preserve the acoustic integrity of marine ecosystems. Learn more about the SubSea Quieter® here.

How you can help  

Join Greenov in our mission to protect marine life and preserve our oceans for future generations. Together, we can make a difference by raising awareness, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for the implementation of innovative solutions like the SubSea Quieter®. Share our message with others, and take action to ensure the health and vitality of our oceans. Let’s work together to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Preliminary Results and Promising Performance

The recent visits provided an opportunity to witness the SubSea Quieter® in maritime conditions for the first time. Some results :  

• The system was successfully assembled in just a few days in accordance with operational and safety procedures ; 
• The Subsea Quieter demonstrated its reliability and ease of deployment, with over 150 cycles (deployment/inflation/deflation/recovery) in a few weeks; 
• The system underwent acoustic testing for over 1 week, enabling us to test different configurations and measure the system’s performance over a wide frequency range, including low frequencies with the use of air guns; 
• The system demonstrated its reliability and resistance to current, with good behavior at currents superior of 1m/s. 

While the final results of the acoustic performance tests are forthcoming, initial measurements are already highly promising. The SubSea Quieter® has demonstrated efficacy in reducing underwater noise pollution, highlighting its potential to safeguard marine ecosystems. 

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all of the individuals, organizations and members of the press who took the time to attend our technology demonstrations and press conference. Your presence and support is invaluable as we continue to innovate and strive for a sustainable future for our oceans. We received a lot of feedback from technical experts, operational advices and recommendations for future demonstrations of our Noise Abatement System in a context of real pile driving operations. 

As the number of offshore wind turbine installations continues to rise, this innovation holds immense significance for the protection of our oceans. Underwater noise generated by construction activities poses a severe threat to marine life, making solutions like the SubSea Quieter® crucial for mitigating these impacts. 

Now join us reliving the event

Experience the excitement and innovation of Greenov’s SubSea Quieter® testing phase by exploring the images capturing the best moments of this milestone event.  

Check the slideshow below and witness firsthand the highlights of our extended testing phase, from insightful presentations to engaging discussions and unforgettable moments shared among industry experts, stakeholders, and members of the press. 

Share your thoughts and reflections on the event by using the hashtag #GreenovSubSeaQuieter on social media. Together, let’s amplify the message of marine conservation and celebrate the strides we’ve made toward a sustainable future for our oceans. 

Slideshow

Let’s forge ahead with determination, passion, and a shared commitment to safeguard the oceans — one innovation at a time.