Amsterdam-based GBM Works, which is developing the Vibrojet, a silent installation technique for offshore wind monopiles, has secured the first close of a €6M seed funding round.
The round was backed by investors, including Rotterdamse Havendraken, Katapult Ocean, EIC Fund, and existing shareholders. Co-investors have the opportunity to increase the total to €7.5M.
Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the EIC Fund Board, says, “EIC Fund’s investment in solutions like Vibrojet aligns with our mission to support promising technologies that drive both environmental and economic sustainability.”
“We are confident that GBM Works will lead the way in reducing marine noise pollution while enabling the continued growth of offshore wind energy.”
A silent installation method for installing offshore wind turbine foundations
According to GBM Works, the offshore wind sector is growing due to global renewable energy goals and the increasing scale of projects, creating a demand for sustainable and noise-reducing installation methods.
GBM Works, a spin-off from Delft University, has developed Vibrojet, a silent installation technique for offshore wind monopiles that reduces underwater noise pollution. This method addresses environmental concerns, complies with stricter marine noise regulations, and promotes sustainable offshore wind projects.
Unlike traditional pile-driving techniques, the Vibrojet provides a quieter and more eco-friendly alternative, reducing harm to marine ecosystems and advancing greener energy solutions.
Beyond offshore wind, Vibrojet has potential applications in decommissioning, jacket piling, mooring, and infrastructure projects, supporting global climate goals.
Ross Brooks, Investment Director at Katapult Ocean, says, “We are excited to be part of GBM Works’ journey as they take their innovative technology to the next level. The Vibrojet is a perfect example of how technological advancement can go hand-in-hand with oceanic stewardship, helping to ensure a greener future for offshore wind energy.”
Capital utilisation
GBM Works will use the funds to support the final development stages of its Vibrojet technology, including the SIMPLE III offshore test in March 2025, co-funded by 13 industry partners, including Shell, Eneco, Vattenfall, EnBW, Ecowende, Seaway7, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, DEME Offshore, CAPE Holland, Van Oord, GROW, Deltares and TNO.
The funding will also enable the first commercial deployment with Ecowende at the Hollandse Kust West VI wind farm in early 2026. These milestones aim to demonstrate the feasibility of GBM Works’ silent installation technology for large-scale offshore wind projects.
Govert Meijer, CEO of GBM Works, says, “Our intrinsically silent installation technology is set to transform the way offshore wind farms are built, significantly reducing underwater noise to protect marine ecosystems.”
“This funding marks a transformative step forward in our mission, enabling us to validate our Vibrojet technology at full scale offshore and pave the way for its first commercial deployment.”
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