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Understand offshore noise by visualizing it
Heerema uses the Sorama CAM iV64 to visualize offshore piling noise and find the real source
Introduction
Turning offshore noise data into clear action
Sound level measurements can tell you if you cross a limit. They don’t tell you what to change. For offshore construction projects, Heerema Marine Contractors needed to locate the main noise source during piling and understand how that sound travels through the structure.
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We wanted to see if it was the hammer on top, the pile vibrating or something else that causes the most noise. We needed to visualize how the sound travelled through the pile so we could really understand the acoustics behind it.
The challenge
Measuring wasn’t enough
Offshore construction moves closer to shore in some regions. That increases attention on how construction noise affects both offshore and onshore environments. Heerema needed more than a decibel number. They needed insight into which part of the piling process drove the noise, so they could reduce it in future projects.
The approach
Visualize sound behavior offshore
Heerema chose the Sorama CAM iV64 because it visualizes sound, instead of only recording it. During installation of substation foundations, they used it to compare suspected sources, like the hammer strike versus pile vibration, and to see how sound propagated through the pile.
They mounted the Sorama CAM iV64 to scaffolding on a vessel and used remote monitoring over Wi-Fi. That meant the team could take recordings from inside the vessel, rather than working outside in harsh offshore conditions.
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The reason why we went for Sorama over anything else is because the Sorama CAM iV64 is an acoustic camera. Not just an acoustic recorder. We were really interested in understanding the behavior of sound.
The results
Actionable insight for quieter processes
By pinpointing the dominant source and understanding how sound traveled, Heerema gained the knowledge needed to adjust the process and reduce noise during piling. The offshore setup also showed the solution works in demanding environments, with practical operational benefits for the team on site.