New Study Reveals Energy Efficiency In Ships And Underwater Noise Reduction

The University of Southampton recently examined the relationship between energy efficiency initiatives in the maritime sector and the decrease in underwater radiated noise (URN) in a report commissioned by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

Ship Noise Reduction — Image for representation purpose only

The research aims to clarify how adopting energy-efficient technologies could minimise the inadvertent noise vessels make while navigating the water, in addition to assisting the industry in reaching its goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

It has been determined that underwater radiated noise, or URN, poses a risk to marine life, especially marine mammals.

The research emphasises how critical it is to comprehend and deal with this problem as the maritime sector works to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero by 2050.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has put forth initiatives and strategies for decarbonising the shipping industry. These are covered in detail in the report. It lists particular actions and resources that can help make the shift to more energy-efficient behaviours go more smoothly.

Professor Stephen Turnock of the Marine and Maritime Institute at the University of Southampton highlights the potential for energy efficiency technology integration in the shipping sector.

The results have been commended by Chris Waddington, Technical Director of ICS, who emphasises that most energy efficiency initiatives will inevitably decrease URN. He believes this is a good thing, giving shipowners a win-win scenario.

However, the study does more than just show how energy efficiency and URN reduction are related; it also offers detailed insights into the possible effects of different actions.

For example, it states that a 20% decrease in vessel speed for fixed-pitch propeller vessels can result in a notable 6 dB decrease in URN.

Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that air lubrication and wind-assisted propulsion systems can reduce noise levels by up to 10 decibels.

In response to impending Carbon Intensity Indicator requirements and an ageing vessel fleet, the study projects an increasing trend toward adopting energy-efficient measures shortly.

Adherence to the International Maritime Organization’s greenhouse gas regulations is anticipated to be crucial in mitigating URN from commercial vessels, providing diverse approaches and plans to fulfil the revised plans.

Reference- southampton.ac.uk

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