IQIP, EnBW and Vattenfall announce full-scale offshore monopile installation using EQ‑Piling technology

Building on the successful inshore demonstration at Maasvlakte 2 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the upcoming offshore installation represents a critical step toward commercialisation of this new, low-noise and low-carbon installation method.

The full‑scale offshore monopile installation will take place at the planned Dreekant offshore wind farm in Germany, owned and developed by EnBW. IQIP has contracted DEME, who will execute the installation using their top in class offshore installation vessel Orion. Vattenfall, consortium partner alongside IQIP and EnBW, is also supporting the project. 

Installation of the demonstration monopile is planned to take place in the coming month, subject to issuance of the final permit.  

Strong momentum and shared commitment  

As the project moves toward full‑scale offshore validation, strong momentum is building for the commercial application of the technology. Commenting on this next step, IQIP CEO Robert Diepenbroek said: “We have strong confidence in the technology’s potential and commercial application. With the full‑scale monopile installation, we will demonstrate that EQ‑Piling lives up to its promise of being significantly quieter. We will enable a reduction in CO₂ emissions by removing the need for additional bubble curtains and the vessels that support them.”  

Committed partners advancing EQ-Piling technology  

As a consortium partner alongside IQIP and EnBW, Vattenfall recognises EQ‑Piling as a promising technology for future offshore wind projects. Like the other partners, Vattenfall receives complete, first‑hand, non‑public data from the full‑scale installation, enabling detailed assessment for upcoming developments. Commenting on the collaboration, Cyril Moss, Executive Project Director for Nordlicht I and II at Vattenfall, said: “At Vattenfall, we advance offshore wind as a key enabler of the energy transition through European industrial capability and genuine innovation. Progress comes when knowledgeable partners at the heart of the industry work together to turn new technology into reality.” 

As the owner and developer of the Dreekant offshore wind farm, EnBW enables IQIP to carry out this full‑scale monopile installation - a step aligned with their commitment to pioneering sustainable energy infrastructure. Commenting on the collaboration, Jörg Egbers, Vice President Offshore Engineering EnBW AG, said: “We continue to shape Europe’s energy transition by accelerating the shift toward sustainable generation. With more than 15 years of experience in wind energy, we remain committed to reliable, climate‑friendly supply. We support new technologies - such as EQ‑Piling - that minimise environmental impact while increasing output and reducing costs. EnBW has engaged early with relevant stakeholders to secure all required permits for execution of the test.”  

The upcoming offshore installation with DEME underscores the shared ambition to advance foundation installation technology. Reflecting on the partnership, Bas Nekeman, Business Unit Director Foundations Northern Europe, said: “At DEME, innovation and collaboration drive our contribution to a more sustainable offshore wind industry. Together with IQIP we have delivered several firsts - from the Hydrohammer® IQ4 to the deck-guided Noise Mitigation System and PULSE®. With Orion, we aim to demonstrate that EQ-Piling can be handled as efficiently as established methods. Clients expect foundations installed to target depth, within tolerances, noise regulations, and budget - with minimum risk.”  

Looking ahead: ready for project deployment Following the full-scale offshore monopile installation, EQ-Piling will be ready for deployment in upcoming offshore wind projects. The technology offers an environmentally compliant, low-noise, low-CO₂ and scalable alternative to current installation methods - supporting the accelerating global demand for responsible offshore wind development.