Pile installation system and method

Abstract

A pile installation system for driving a pile into the soil, preferably in an offshore location, is disclosed. The pile installation system comprises: a pile end member. The pile end member comprises: an engagement surface configured to engage with an end of the pile; at least one fluid inlet for connection to a fluid source; and a plurality of fluid outlets that are fluidly connected to the at least one fluid inlet such that fluid can be discharged through the plurality of fluid outlets.

Description

PILE INSTALLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0001] The present invention relates to a pile installation system for driving a pile into the soil. Moreover, the invention also relates to an assembly of the pile installation system and a pile driving device. Additionally, the invention also relates to a method for driving a pile into the soil.BACKGROUND

[0002] Monopiles are widely used as foundations for offshore wind turbines and other structures due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The installation of monopiles involves driving a large steel tube into the seabed, which can be challenging due to the high soil resistance encountered during the process.

[0003] Known methods for reducing soil resistance include the use of internal tools or devices that are inserted into the pile. For example, various water jet injection systems exist, in which a monopile for a wind turbine is provided with injection nozzles positioned within the interior of the lower part of the pile. The nozzles inject water to create a flow that aids in the penetration of the monopile into the soil. While such systems help reduce soil resistance, they rely on components and mechanisms positioned internally within the pile, which can lead to several disadvantages.

[0004] Specifically, solutions that involve tools or devices positioned internally within the pile can complicate the installation process and increase the risk of damage to the pile. Additionally, these tools often require complex mechanisms and additional steps for connection to the pile, leading to higher costs and longer installation times. Finally, such tools cannot be repaired or replaced in-situ.

[0005] The invention aims to counteract the above disadvantages, preferably while retaining the advantages. More specifically, the invention aims to provide a pile installation system for driving a pile into the soil that is able to overcome or reduce the above-mentioned problems and to provide a pile installation system for effectively driving a pile into the soil and / or extracting a pile out of the soil, since both installation and extraction benefit from a reduction of resistance between pile and soil. In the case of extraction, the invention will reduce the required crane capacity to extract the pile.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a pile installation system for driving a pile into the soil, preferably in an offshore location, comprises: a pile end member, wherein the pile end member comprises: an engagement surface configured to engage with an end of a pile; at least one fluid inlet for connection to a fluid source; and a plurality of fluid outlets that are fluidly connected to the at least one fluid inlet such that fluid can be discharged through the plurality of fluid outlets.

[0007] The present invention relates to a pile installation system that helps reduce soil resistance for improved driving of piles into the soil. More specifically, the invention pertains to tool, fitted externally to the end of the pile that is designed to reduce soil resistance, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the installation process. This invention addresses the limitations of existing technologies, which primarily involve tools or devices that need to be inserted into the interior of the pile and subsequently fixed to the interior of the pile.

[0008] Advantageously, the described pile end member provides a simple solution for reducing the soil resistance around the lower end of the pile. In particular, the pile end member is coupled to the lower end of the pile without the requirement for complex fixings and / or coupling mechanisms positioned internally within the pile. Rather, to connect to the pile end member, the lower end of the pile is simply brought into engagement with the engagement surface of the pile end member. As the pile end member is in engagement with the lower end of the pile it helps minimize the risk of damage to the pile, ensuring the integrity of the pile during installation.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the pile end member has a ring-shaped profile.

[0010] In certain embodiments, wherein the pile end member is sized such that a radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the pile end member to at least part of the engagement surface is between the inner radius of the pile and the outer radius of the pile, such that the end of the pile can rest on the pile end member in a coupled configuration.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the pile end member comprises: a radially outer portion, wherein the engagement surface is an upper surface of the radially outer portion; and a radially inner portion, wherein the radially inner portion comprises anupstanding member protruding upwardly from the engagement surface, wherein a radially outer surface of the upstanding member forms a second engagement surface configured to engage a radially inner surface of the pile.

[0012] Advantageously, by retaining the pile end member through engagement between the second engagement surface and the radially inner surface of the pile, the pile end member is simple to install. That is, the pile end member is simply installed by pushing the pile end member onto the lower end of the pile (or vice versa), where it is retained by friction. Fewer, or no, moving parts are required, which enhances the durability of the system and reduces maintenance requirements. In addition, this solution also ensures that alignment between the pile and the pile end member is guaranteed. The pile end member can also be easily removed if required.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the upstanding member comprises a wedge portion, wherein the second engagement surface is an angled surface of the wedge portion, wherein the second engagement surface has a first end proximate the engagement surface and a second end distal from the engagement surface, wherein the second end of the second engagement surface has a position that is radially inwardly of the first end of the second engagement surface.

[0014] Advantageously, the use of a wedge portion forthe second engagement surface aids with installation of the pile end member. That is, the radially inward position of the second end of the second engagement surface allows the pile end member to be easily inserted into the lower end of pile. As the pile end member is forced into the lower end of the pile, the friction force between the second engagement surface and the radially inner surface increases, and the pile end member becomes wedged within the lower end of the pile. The pile end member naturally aligns with pile as it is forced into the lower end of the pile.

[0015] In certain embodiments, at least part of the second engagement surface is positioned at a distance from a longitudinal axis of the pile end member such that, in use, the at least part of the second engagement surface is in interference fit the radially inner surface of the pile.

[0016] In certain embodiments, each fluid outlet of the plurality of fluid outlets comprises a nozzle for directingfluid discharged through the correspondingfluid outlet.Advantageously, the use of nozzles can be particularly efficient, since the nozzles provide the possibility to be directed in the best direction and at a control pressure. As a result the reduction in friction and strain not only speeds up the installation process but also reduces wear and tear on the monopile and installation equipment.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the plurality of fluid outlets or nozzles are oriented in a direction having at least one of a radially inward component and a downward component. In certain embodiments, the plurality of fluid outlets or nozzles are oriented in a direction having a radially inward component and a downward component.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the pile installation system further comprises a fluid supply device to supply fluid from the fluid source to the plurality of fluid outlets or nozzles. In certain embodiments, the fluid supply device may supply fluid from the fluid source at a pressure of at least 3 to 10 bar, aptly at least 5 bar, for example.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the pile installation system comprises a control system configured to control the fluid supply device. Advantageously, the control system can regulate the supply of fluid through the fluid outlets.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the pile installation system comprises at least one pipe element connecting the fluid source to the at least one fluid inlet.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, a pile driving assembly comprises: the pile installation system of the first aspect of the invention; and a pile driving device that is provided at an upper end of the pile to assist the driving of the pile into the soil.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the pile driving device is a vibratory pile driving device.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the pile driving device is an impact pile driving device.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the pile driving device comprises a chamber of fluid that is configured to be released from a distance away from the pile, the pile driving device comprising buffering means for buffering the force exerted by the chamber on the pile, when the pile is driven into the soil.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for driving a pile into the soil, preferably in an offshore location, comprises: a) providing a pile and a pile installation system of the first aspect of the invention in a coupled configuration, wherein in the coupled configuration the lower end of the pile is engaged with theengagement surface of the pile end member; b) performing a pile driving operation to drive the pile into the soil, wherein during the pile driving operation, fluid is discharged through the plurality of fluid outlets of the pile end member.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises discharging fluid from the plurality of fluid outlets in a direction having in a direction having a radially inward component and a downward component.

[0027] In certain embodiments, after step b) the method further comprises controlling the vertical movement of the pile by means of sensors, such that the pile is driven into the soil until penetration target.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a pile driving device at an upper end of the pile to assist the insertion of the pile into the soil.

[0029] As used herein, the terms ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ refer to a coordinate system for the pile and pile installation system in an operational position and orientation. For example, FIG. 1 shows the pile and pile installation system in an operational position and orientation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a section view through an example arrangement including a pile and an example pile installation system.

[0031] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate section views through an example pile end member.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates the pile end member of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 coupled to a pile.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an example pile installation system including the pile end member of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates an example pile driving assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure relates to a pile installation system for driving a pile 200 into the soil. FIG. 1 shows a pile 200 and an example pile installation system. It would be understood that FIG. 1 illustrates a section view through the zx plane.

[0036] The pile 200 may be a monopile or another type of driven foundation pile. The pile installation system may be configured to drive a pile into the soil in an offshorelocation. For example, the pile installation system may be configured to drive foundation piles for offshore structures, for example wind turbines. The pile 200 has a lower end 202, an upper end 204 and a longitudinal axis z extending between the lower end 202 and the upper end 204. In use, the lower end 202 is driven first into the soil in an installation direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis z. In the illustrated example, the pile 200 is a tubular pile having a ring-shaped profile as viewed in a longitudinal section.

[0037] Turning nowto FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the pile installation system includes a pile end member 100. As best shown in FIG. 3, the pile end member 100 includes an engagement surface 106 configured to engage with an end of the pile 200.

[0038] The pile end member 100 includes at least one fluid inlet for connection to a fluid source. In this example, the pile end member 100 includes a single fluid inlet 102. However, in other examples there may two or more fluid inlets. The fluid inlet 102 may include a port or interface for connection to a fluid supply, for example via a pipe element.

[0039] The pile end member 100 includes a plurality of fluid outlets 104. The plurality of fluid outlets 104 are fluidly connected to the fluid inlet 102 such that fluid can be discharged through the plurality of fluid outlets 104. The plurality of fluid outlets 104 may include any suitable number of fluid outlets 104, forexample 5, 10, 15 or more. The number of fluid outlets may depend on the size of the pile end member 100 or the required specification for the pile end member 100. The plurality of fluid outlets 104 may be equally spaced around a radially inner surface of the pile end member 100.

[0040] In this example the plurality of fluid outlets 104 are fluidly connected to the fluid inlet 102 by a network of flow channels 122. In the illustrated example the flow channels 122 are integral within the upstanding member 112. That is, the flow channels 122 are formed internally within the upstanding member 112. As such, fluid is received at the fluid inlet 102, passes through the interior of the pile end member 100 and exits through the plurality of fluid outlets 104. In other examples the flow channels 122 (and consequently also the fluid inlet 102 and the plurality of fluid outlets 104) may be mounted to an exterior surface of the pile end member 100. For example the flow channels 122 may be mounted to a radially inner surface of the pile end member 100.

[0041] Each fluid outlet 104 of the plurality of fluid outlets may include a nozzle for directing fluid discharged through the corresponding fluid outlet 104.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of fluid outlets 104 are directed radially inwardly. However, the plurality of fluid outlets 104 or nozzles may be oriented in a direction having at least one of a radially inward component and a downward component. For example, the plurality of fluid outlets 104 or nozzles may be oriented downwardly - for example from the contact surface 120 of the pile end member 100. In certain embodiments, the plurality of fluid outlets 104 or nozzles may be oriented in a direction having a radially inward component and a downward component.

[0043] In use, the pile end member 100 is coupled with the pile 200. That is, the pile 200 and pile end member 100 are provided in a coupled configuration. The coupled configuration is best shown in FIG. 4. In the coupled configuration the lower end 202 of the pile 200 is engaged with the engagement surface 106 of the pile end member 100. Coupling the pile 200 to the pile end member 100 may occur prior to deployment of the pile 200, for example with the pile 200 positioned on a deployment vessel. Alternatively, coupling the pile 200 to the pile end member 100 may occur on the soil surface. For example, the pile end member 100 may be positioned on the soil surface and then the pile 200 may be lowered into engagement with the pile end member 100.

[0044] Once the pile 200 and pile end member 100 are in the coupled configuration the pile 200 may then be driven into the soil in a pile driving operation. During the pile driving operation, fluid is discharged through the plurality of fluid outlets 104 of the pile end member 100. The fluid discharged through the plurality of fluid outlets 104 helps facilitate soil fluidification and / or soil displacement around the lower end 202 of the pile 200. This reduces the soil resistance at the lower end 202 of the pile 200, where the soil friction can be high.

[0045] Advantageously, the described pile end member 100 provides a simple solution for reducing the soil resistance around the lower end 202 of the pile 200. In particular, the pile end member 100 is coupled to the lower end 202 of the pile 200 without the requirement for complex fixings and / or coupling mechanisms positioned internally within the pile 200. Rather, to connect to the pile end member 100, the lower end 202 of the pile 200 is simply brought into engagement with the engagement surface 106 of thepile end member 100. As the pile end member 100 is in engagement with the lower end 202 of the pile 200 it helps minimize the risk of damage to the pile 200 during the pile driving operation, ensuring the integrity of the pile 200 during installation.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the pile end member 100 has a ring-shaped profile. That is, at least part of the pile end member 100 extends continuously in a ring-shape around a longitudinal axis. In the coupled configuration the longitudinal axis of the pile end member 100 is co-axial with the longitudinal axis z of the pile 200.

[0047] In this example, the pile end member 100 is sized such that a radial distance from the longitudinal axis z of the pile end member 100 to at least part of the engagement surface 106 is between the inner radius of the pile 200 and the outer radius of the pile 200, such that the end of the pile 200 can rest on the pile end member 100 in the coupled configuration. In this example the engagement surface 106 has a ringshaped profile. The engagement surface 106 has an inner diameter that is equal to or less than the inner diameter of the pile 200. The engagement surface 106 has an outer diameter that is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the pile 200. As such, in the coupled configuration the lower end 202 of the pile 200 rests entirely on the engagement surface 106. The pile end member 100 is sized depending on the diameter of the pile 200, to which it is to be coupled. As such, alignment with the pile 200 is guaranteed.

[0048] In this example, the pile end member 100 includes a radially outer portion 108, wherein the engagement surface 106 is an upper surface of the radially outer portion 108. The pile end member 100 also includes a radially inner portion 110. In this example, the radially outer portion 108 and radially inner portion 110 share a common lower surface, which is contact surface 120. In use, the contact surface 120 is the first point of engagement between the pile end member 100 and the soil surface during pile driving operations.

[0049] The radially inner portion 110 comprises an upstanding member 112 protruding upwardlyfrom the engagement surface 106. That is, the axial length of the radially inner portion 110 is greater than the axial length of the radially outer portion 108.

[0050] In this example a radially outer surface of the upstanding member 112 forms a second engagement surface 114 configured to engage a radially inner surface 206 of the pile 200.

[0051] In this example at least part of the second engagement surface 114 is positioned at a distance from the longitudinal axis z of the pile end member 100 such that, in the coupled configuration, the at least part of the second engagement surface 114 is in engagement with the radially inner surface 206 of the pile 200.

[0052] In this example, the engagement between the second engagement surface 114 and the radially inner surface 206 retains the pile end member 100 on the lower end 202. That is, the friction between the second engagement surface 114 and the radially inner surface 206 helps ensure the pile end member 100 is retained on the lower end 202 of the pile 200.

[0053] By retaining the pile end member 100 through engagement between the second engagement surface 114 and the radially inner surface 206 of the pile 200, the pile end member 100 is simple to install. That is, the pile end member 100 is simply installed by pushing the pile end member 100 onto the lower end 202 of the pile 200 (or vice versa), where it is retained by friction. Fewer, or no, moving parts are required, which enhances the durability of the system and reduces maintenance requirements. In addition, this solution also ensures alignment between the pile 200 and the pile end member 100 is guaranteed. The pile end member 100 can also be easily removed if required.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the upstanding member 112 comprises a wedge portion, wherein the second engagement surface 114 is an angled surface of the wedge portion. The second engagement surface 114 has a first end 116 proximate the engagement surface 106 and a second end 118 distal from the engagement surface 106. The second end 118 of the second engagement surface 114 has a position that is radially inwardly of the first end 116 of the second engagement surface 114. That is, the second engagement surface 114 is sloped such that its radial position decreases with distance along the longitudinal axis z. In certain embodiments, there is an interference fit between at the radially inner surface 206 of the pile 200 and at least the second end 118 of the second engagement surface 114.

[0055] The use of a wedge portion for the second engagement surface 114 aids with installation of the pile end member 100. That is, the radially inward position of the second end 118 of the second engagement surface 114 allows the pile end member 100 to be easily inserted into the lower end 202 of pile 200. As the pile end member 100 is forced into the lower end 202 of the pile 200, the friction force between the second engagement surface 114 and the radially inner surface 206 increases, and the pile end member 100 becomes wedged within the lower end 202 of the pile 200. The pile end member 100 naturally aligns with pile 200 as it is forced into the lower end 202 of the pile 200.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an example pile installation system. In this example, the pile installation system includes a fluid supply device 504 to supply fluid from a fluid source 502 to the plurality of fluid outlets 104. The fluid supply device 504 may be a pump, for example. The fluid source 502 may be the body of water into which the pile 200 is to be located. Alternatively the fluid source 502 may comprises a dedicated fluid source 502, for example a container of fluid which forms part of the pile driving device.

[0057] In this example a pipe element 508 connects the fluid source 502 to the pile end member 100. In particular, the pipe element 508 connects the fluid source 502 to the fluid inlet 102 of the pile end member 100. In this example the fluid inlet 102 is a port at an upper part of the upstanding member 112. As such, the pipe element 508 can run along the radially inner surface 206 of the pile 200.

[0058] In the example of FIG. 5, the pile installation system includes a control system 506 configured to control the fluid supply device 504. For example the control system 506 may control or regulate one or more of the operation of the fluid supply device 504 and the flow through the fluid outlets 104. Fluid may be supplied from the fluid supply device 504 at any pressure or flow rate suitable for a desired amount of soil fluidification or displacement. The pressure or flow rate required to achieve a desired amount of soil fluidification or displacement may account for a particular configuration of pile end member 100 (for example the size of the pile end member 100, the number of fluid outlets 104, for example). For example fluid may be supplied from the fluid supply device 504 at a pressure of at least 5 bar.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 6, a pile driving assembly may include the pile installation system and a pile driving device 602 that is provided at the upper end 204 of the pile 200 to assist the driving of the pile 200 into the soil. The pile driving device 602 may be a vibratory pile driving device an impact pile driving device or a silent pile driving device (for example a pile driving device comprising a chamber of fluid that is configured to be released from a distance awayfrom the pile, the pile driving device comprising buffering means for bufferingthe force exerted by the chamber on the pile, when the pile is driven into the soil), for example.

[0060] The pile driving assembly may include sensors to monitor the vertical movement of the pile 200 during a pile driving operation. For example, the sensors may indicate the driven depth of the pile 200. As such, the pile driving operation can be performed until the pile 200 has been driven into the soil until penetration target.

[0061] The pile end member 100 may be sacrificial. That is, the pile end member 100 may be left in-situ, coupled to the lower end 202 of the pile 200 following a pile driving operation.

[0062] Various modifications to the embodiments described above are possible. For example, in the illustrated examples both the radially inner portion 110 and the radially outer portion 108 of the pile end member 100 are continuous ring-shaped members. In other examples, at least one of these may not be continuous around the ring-shaped profile of the pile end member 100. For example, the upstanding member 112 or at least the wedge portion of the upstanding member 112 may not be continuous around the ring-shaped profile of the pile end member 100. Rather there may be two or more, or a plurality, of upstanding members 112 or wedge portions distributed around the ringshaped profile of the pile end member 100. As another example, the engagement surface 106 may not be continuous around the ring-shaped profile of the pile end member 100. Rather there may be two or more, or a plurality, of engagement surfaces 106 distributed around the ring-shaped profile of the pile end member 100.

[0063] In the illustrated examples the second engagement surface 114 may be biased towards the radially inner surface 206 of the pile 200. For example, a spring or other biasing member could bias the second engagement surface 114 into engagement with the radially inner surface 206 of the pile 200.

[0064] The pile end member 100 may be otherwise termed a pile shoe member or a pile jetting member or a pile jetting shoe member.

[0065] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be applicable interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention.

[0066] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0067] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pile installation system for driving a pile into the soil, preferably in an offshore location, the pile installation system comprising:a pile end member, wherein the pile end member comprises:an engagement surface configured to engage with an end of a pile; at least one fluid inlet for connection to a fluid source; and a plurality of fluid outlets that are fluidly connected to the at least one fluid inlet such that fluid can be discharged through the plurality of fluid outlets.

2. The pile installation system of claim 1, wherein the pile end member has a ringshaped profile.

3. The pile installation system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pile end member is sized such that a radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the pile end member to at least part of the engagement surface is between the inner radius of the pile and the outer radius of the pile, such that the end of the pile can rest on the pile end member in a coupled configuration.

4. The pile installation system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pile end member comprises:a radially outer portion, wherein the engagement surface is an upper surface of the radially outer portion; anda radially inner portion, wherein the radially inner portion comprises an upstanding member protruding upwardly from the engagement surface, wherein a radially outer surface of the upstanding member forms a second engagement surface configured to engage a radially inner surface of the pile.

5. The pile installation system of claim 4, wherein the upstanding member comprises a wedge portion, wherein the second engagement surface is an angled surface of the wedge portion, wherein the second engagement surface has a first end proximate theengagement surface and a second end distal from the engagement surface, wherein the second end of the second engagement surface has a position that is radially inwardly of the first end of the second engagement surface.

6. The pile installation system of claim 4 or 5, wherein at least part of the second engagement surface is positioned at a distance from a longitudinal axis of the pile end member such that, in use, the at least part of the second engagement surface is in interference fit with the radially inner surface of the pile.

7. The pile installation system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each fluid outlet of the plurality of fluid outlets comprises a nozzle for directing fluid discharged through the corresponding fluid outlet.

8. The pile installation system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of fluid outlets or nozzles are oriented in a direction having at least one of a radially inward component and a downward component.

9. The pile installation system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of fluid outlets or nozzles are oriented in a direction having a radially inward component and a downward component.

10. The pile installation system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a fluid supply device to supply fluid from the fluid source to the plurality of fluid outlets or nozzles.

11. The pile installation system of claim 10, wherein the pile installation system comprises a control system configured to control the fluid supply device.

12. The pile installation system of claim 10 or 11, comprising at least one pipe element connecting the fluid source to the at least one fluid inlet.

13. A pile driving assembly comprising:the pile installation system of any of the preceding claims; anda pile driving device that is provided at an upper end of the pile to assist the driving of the pile into the soil.

14. The pile driving assembly of claim 13, wherein the pile driving device is a vibratory pile driving device.

15. The pile driving assembly of claim 13, wherein the pile driving device is an impact pile driving device.

16. A method for driving a pile into the soil, preferably in an offshore location, comprising:a) providing a pile and a pile installation system of any one of claims 1 to 12 in a coupled configuration, wherein in the coupled configuration the lower end of the pile is engaged with the engagement surface of the pile end member;b) performing a pile driving operation to drive the pile into the soil, wherein during the pile driving operation, fluid is discharged through the plurality of fluid outlets of the pile end member.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises discharging fluid from the plurality of fluid outlets in a direction having in a direction having a radially inward component and a downward component.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein after step b) the method further comprises controlling the vertical movement of the pile by means of sensors, such that the pile is driven into the soil until penetration target.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the method comprises providing a pile driving device at an upper end of the pile to assist the insertion of the pile into the soil.

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