Research Platform Fino 2
The research platform FINO 2, located 33 kilometers north of the island of Rügen in the triborder area between Denmark, Germany, and Sweden, has achieved a remarkable improvement: the platform, long plagued by heavy contamination from cormorants and seagulls, now reports being “bird-free.”
Bird droppings are not merely an aesthetic issue; they pose significant economic and safety challenges for offshore platforms. In industries such as oil and gas, corrosive deposits can cause damage to machinery and surfaces, necessitating extensive maintenance and cleaning efforts while also presenting additional health and safety risks for personnel.
Thanks to the deployment of two AVES Industry Offshore bird deterrence systems, specifically designed for maritime conditions, FINO 2 now enjoys effective, sustainable 360° protection. The goal of this initiative is to significantly reduce cleaning costs, preserve the platform's materials, and enhance safety and health conditions for its staff.
The innovative AVES systems enable continuous monitoring of the airspace within a 1,000-meter radius. When birds approach FINO 2, the AI-based systems reliably detect them and redirect their flight paths using targeted acoustic signals. Depending on weather conditions, the deterrence range spans 350 to 400 meters. Each of the two systems covers a specific sector, ensuring seamless protection.
The success of the technology was evident within just a few days of installation: not a single bird landed on the platform. This technology has proven to be an effective and environmentally friendly solution to contamination, making a vital contribution to uninterrupted research operations on FINO 2.
Those interested can follow activities on the platform live via its webcams: https://www.fino2.de/de/webcams.html.
For the latest images, videos, and updates about FINO 2, check out the Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/fino2plattform/.