DELTARES and MARIN launch TISCO JIP on thruster‑induced scour
Date
Apr 17 2026
Reading time
2minutes
Deltares and MARIN kicked-off a new Joint Industry Project (JIP) aimed at improving the prediction and management of thruster‑induced scour during offshore operations. The initiative, JIP TISco (Thruster‑Induced Scour), brings industry partners together to address a critical challenge in offshore installation projects.
Thruster‑induced scour refers to local seabed erosion caused by the powerful thruster flows of dynamically positioned (DP) vessels. During the installation of offshore structures, large crane vessels rely on DP systems to maintain their position. In shallow water conditions, the associated thruster jets can create scour holes of significant size. In the worst case, this may lead to costly remediation measures and project delays. When existing infrastructure is present, thruster‑induced scour can also damage scour protection systems, destabilise cable protection berms or even expose previously buried cables.
The JIP was recently presented to the GROW offshore wind consortium, where valuable feedback was received from interested industry stakeholders. The project team is now inviting additional industry partners to contribute to and benefit from this collaborative research effort.
Interested in learning more or joining the project? Contact Frederick Jaouen (MARIN) or Désirée Plenker (Deltares) to receive an invitation to the webinar.
Thruster‑induced scour refers to local seabed erosion caused by the powerful thruster flows of dynamically positioned (DP) vessels. During the installation of offshore structures, large crane vessels rely on DP systems to maintain their position. In shallow water conditions, the associated thruster jets can create scour holes of significant size. In the worst case, this may lead to costly remediation measures and project delays. When existing infrastructure is present, thruster‑induced scour can also damage scour protection systems, destabilise cable protection berms or even expose previously buried cables.
Large uncertainties in current prediction methods
At present, estimating the risk and extent of thruster‑induced scour remains challenging. Existing empirical formulations are largely based on small‑scale laboratory tests. When these formulations are applied to full‑scale offshore installation scenarios in areas such as the North Sea, predicted scour depths can vary widely—from as little as 10 metres to as much as 80 metres. This large spread highlights the significant uncertainty in current assessment methods and underlines the need for more robust and reliable tools.Joint research to improve offshore operations
This challenge is the motivation behind JIP TISco. By combining Deltares' and MARIN’s expertise, the project aims to develop a new, robust methodology for predicting thruster‑induced scour. In addition, practical tools will be developed to support better decision‑making and optimisation of DP system use during offshore operations.The JIP was recently presented to the GROW offshore wind consortium, where valuable feedback was received from interested industry stakeholders. The project team is now inviting additional industry partners to contribute to and benefit from this collaborative research effort.
Interested in participating?
Deltares and MARIN will organise a webinar for interested industry parties to provide more information about JIP TISco, its objectives and participation opportunities.Interested in learning more or joining the project? Contact Frederick Jaouen (MARIN) or Désirée Plenker (Deltares) to receive an invitation to the webinar.
