New standards that will prevent marine life from being harmed by “acoustic pollution” from ships have been pioneered by classification society Bureau Veritas ahead of the enforcement on new European rules.
The global testing, inspection and certification (Tic) firm has developed a voluntary set of standards intended to assist shipbuilders and operators reduce underwater noise radiating from ships.
Jean-Francois Segretain, technical director, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Division, said: “Underwater noise radiating from ships is acoustic pollution, and there is no doubt that it will be the next big area to be tackled by regulators.
“This notation, backed by careful research with an extensive network of partners, means we can help designers, yards and operators to be ahead of regulation.
“And it makes commercial sense. Reducing underwater noise directly contributes to reduced noise and vibration levels on board, which improves passenger and crew comfort. There is also a strong link between fuel efficiency and noise. Quieter ships burn less, and we can help make ships quieter and so more efficient.”
One of the main drivers of the notation is to fulfill requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. This aims to improve the environmental state of European waters by proposing mitigation solutions to be put in place by 2016, with their efficiency proved by 2020.