RWE and ARC marine have completed the full-scale deployment of eco-engineered scour protection at Rampion offshore wind farm.
The partners installed around 75,000 patented Reef cubes at the base of one turbine to safeguard foundations from strong currents while creating new marine habitats.
Specialist contractor Rohde Nielsen carried out the installation as part of the Reef Enhancement for Scour Protection pilot.
Thomas Michel, COO of RWE Offshore Wind, said the milestone marks an important step forward in testing solutions that can both safeguard assets and contribute to the marine environment.
He added that RWE looks forward to monitoring outcomes and sharing learnings with stakeholders and the wider industry.
Reef cubes provide an alternative to traditional rock-based scour protection by combining erosion resistance with enhanced biodiversity.
Each cube ranges in size from 15cm to 35cm and together provide a habitat surface area of 25,000 square metres at Rampion.
Tom Birbeck, CEO of ARC marine, said the project is a landmark moment for the company’s technology, delivering robust scour protection and creating new habitats.
He added that the installation demonstrates global potential for Reef cubes, which are scalable, cost-effective and aligned with biodiversity net gain requirements.
The pilot now moves into a monitoring phase, with ecological and geophysical surveys planned between 2026 and 2030 to assess the cubes’ engineering and environmental performance.
RWE said the project aligns with its commitment to delivering biodiversity-positive offshore wind farms.