Hydronav2023
Sopot, 24-26 MAY 2023r.
Underwater Radiated Noise Reduction in light of Class Societies Initiatives
Marek Narewski
Polish Register of Shipping, R&D Department, Poland.
(E-mail: marek.narewski@prs.pl)
ABSTRACT
Underwater radiated noise (URN) generated by commercial shipping and offshore activity has been recognized as a major form of ocean pollution as it has grown significantly over the past few years. Consequently, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to take measures on raising awareness of the urn issue at international forum. The IMO goal was to issue non-mandatory guidelines with the aim of monitoring the impact and thus ascertaining the efficiency of various mitigation solutions. As one of first steps, IMO agreed in 2009 to start work on the development of non-mandatory technical guidelines. The guidelines were subsequently approved in 2014 (refer to MEPC.1/Circ.833 guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life). Class societies support IMO efforts and work on development of industry acceptable URN measurements standards that can be used to confirm compliance with IMO guidelines.
