Underwater noise from human activities is increasing in the marine environment where it can have a significant negative impact on marine life.
There are many different sources of underwater noise. These include, for example, the construction and operation of offshore facilities, military activities, shipping, dredging and geological exploration on the seabed. The detrimental effect of underwater noise from shipping is mainly caused by noise frequencies interfering with acoustic communication between marine animals such as whales.
IMO guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from shipping
In recognition of the negative impact of underwater noise on marine life, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted the “Guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life” at its 66th session in 2014. Following extensive consultations between IMO member states and international organisations, in which VDR participated actively as part of both, the German delegation and its international umbrella organisation ICS, revised guidelines were adopted at the 80th MEPC meeting in 2023. They summarise the current state of knowledge and provide an overview of technical and operational measures that can be taken to reduce underwater noise from ships.
VDR recommends shipping companies to consider implementing the current IMO guidelines voluntarily. Shipping companies are already obliged to implement numerous measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency to fulfil binding standards in these areas. Some of these measures also include effective methods to reduce underwater noise. In many cases, a carefully selected approach can reduce underwater noise without causing additional costs.
Round table on underwater noise and shipping
VDR is a cooperation partner of the Underwater Noise and Shipping Round Table, which was established in 2023 by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH). Other partners include the German Association for Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) and the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM).
The aim of the round table is to bring together all stakeholder groups with an interest in the topic. The focus is primarily on exchanging knowledge and engaging in a professional dialogue that provides constructive support for, and discusses the development and implementation of the currently relevant regulations for the reduction of underwater noise. Minutes and presentations from past events may be reviewed here.
