Guidelines for reducing underwater noise from commercial vessels

Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) is a health concern for aquatic ecosystems and human communities around the world. In response to documented impacts of vessel generated URN on marine life, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently created the Revised Guidelines for the Reduction of Underwater Radiated Noise from Shipping to Address Adverse Impacts on Marine Life. Through creation of these guidelines, IMO member states and NGOs have stated their agreement that commercial shipping is a primary contributor to URN and its associated impacts. To reduce impacts on marine life, URN needs to be addressed during the design phases of commercial vessels. URN considerations have never been implemented for most commercial vessel types, which may make the task of reducing URN from existing and future vessels seem daunting. Fortunately, there are existing tools, methodologies, and expertise available to design quieter vessels. To support the development of quiet vessels, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) has created Technology and Research Bulletin 6-3, Guidelines for Reducing Underwater Radiated Noise from Commercial Vessels to assist owners, operators, and designers reduce vessel URN by providing practical knowledge relating to quiet vessel design. This paper discusses the main themes of the new SNAME guidelines.