RWE and ARC Marine have successfully completed the full-scale installation of eco-engineered scour protection at the Rampion offshore wind farm off the UK coast, the companies said on Wednesday.
Approximately 75,000 patented Reef cubes were deployed around the base of one turbine to protect foundations from strong currents while fostering new marine habitats, as part of the Reef Enhancement for Scour Protection pilot project.
Specialist contractor Rohde Nielsen carried out the installation.
Thomas Michel, chief operating officer of RWE Offshore Wind, described the achievement as “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 offer an alternative to conventional rock-based scour protection by combining erosion resistance with enhanced biodiversity. The cubes range from 15cm to 35cm in size and collectively provide 25,000 square metres of habitat surface area at Rampion.
Tom Birbeck, CEO of ARC Marine, said the project represented “a landmark moment for the company’s technology, delivering robust scour protection and creating new habitats.” He noted that the installation “demonstrates global potential for Reef cubes, which are scalable, cost-effective and aligned with biodiversity net gain requirements.”
The pilot will now enter a monitoring phase, with ecological and geophysical surveys scheduled between 2026 and 2030 to evaluate the engineering performance and environmental benefits of the Reef cubes.
RWE said the initiative aligns with its commitment to developing biodiversity-positive offshore wind projects.
