Noise pollution has long been an ignored and unregulated aspect of pollution. However, there is now a growing understanding of how excessive noise levels can adversely affect ecosystems, especially aquatic life in oceans and lakes. Continuous noise from commercial ships can negatively impact marine life and ecosystems, limiting their ability to communicate, find food, navigate migration routes, and avoid predators. Recognizing the long-term negative consequences of underwater radiated noise (URN) from commercial shipping, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed guidelines for reducing URN by focusing on the design, specification, operation, and maintenance of onboard machinery. The draft revised guidelines were agreed upon in January 2023 by the IMO sub-committee on ship design and construction. Modern-day ship owners can also implement various technological solutions and recommended operational practices to reduce URN, such as adapting propeller design and operation, modifying the wake flow, carefully selecting machinery and support mountings, selecting alternative fuel and energy generators, and using air lubrication systems. By taking steps to reduce URN, ship owners can promote operational efficiency while also helping to preserve marine life and protect ecosystems.
Click HERE to read this complete article published in the NAFSgreen World Shipping Magazine and co-authored by Alex Routledge, CEO Armada Technologies and Andrew Spiteri Post Doctoral Researcher on Air Lubrication Systems at Liverpool John Moores University offering an approach for the shipping industry, governments, conservationists, and other stakeholders to address this important issue.