In the dynamic world of offshore wind energy, safeguarding subsea foundations and cables poses significant challenges. Helping to address the various complexities faced by engineers and developers in protecting these vital components, innovative solutions are changing the landscape of offshore wind farm protection.
Ridgeway has been at the forefront of supplying the offshore wind sector in the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East with the innovative and tailor-made Japanese Kyowa Filter Unit Rockbags® since 2009.
Originating in 1987, the filter units were initially developed to safeguard the foundations of the iconic Akashi bridge. With over 25 years of extensive application in civil engineering, predominantly in Japan, where they have adorned rivers and port works, they have earned their stripes with over 700,000 units deployed. Now, this time-tested and reliable system is readily accessible in Europe and the UK, offering unmatched protection and durability.
Made of 100% recycled polyester (PET) and constructed using a unique form of knitting, known as Raschel, the filter unit is a rock filled bag filled with aggregate making it a very flexible solution for marine construction work.
The process of installing loose rock around an offshore foundation has a number of drawbacks; firstly, the rock is normally sourced from another country, such as Norway, resulting in a higher carbon footprint. This is also regarded as a loss to the local economy and host country building the wind farm, whereby local vessel and stone supply is overlooked and sourced elsewhere.
