The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have created a handbook to help the shipping industry understand and minimise underwater radiated noise from ships.
The focus on undersea radiated noise from ships has grown dramatically in recent years, as has the desire for action owing to the deleterious impacts on marine life and the environment.
Commercial shipping is a major source of underwater noise at low frequencies, and research has demonstrated that the noise is detrimental to the vital life processes of a diverse spectrum of marine life.
Michelle Sanders, Alternate Permanent Representative of Canada to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said: “Ocean noise harms the critical life functions of a wide range of marine life, including marine mammals, fish and invertebrate species, which many coastal communities, especially indigenous communities, depend on for their food, livelihoods and cultures.
“Reducing underwater radiated noise from ships is not merely a matter of environmental stewardship; it is of critical importance to ensure ocean health.”
READ: IBIA, BIMCO ink strategic maritime partnership
BIMCO and ICS encourage all shipowners and operators to recognise the significance of minimising undersea noise and to take the required actions to properly implement the IMO’s recommendations.
To help with this, the practical “Underwater Radiated Noise Guide” from BIMCO and ICS investigates the causes of underwater noise and its far-reaching effects on marine life.
It also discusses the content of the IMO rules, how to develop a noise management strategy, and the breadth of regional legislation and voluntary initiatives.
READ: BIMCO reports quickest growth in 15 years for containership fleet
Lastly, the guide explores the relationship between various energy efficiency measures and underwater noise.
David Loosley, BIMCO Secretary General & CEO, stated: “Energy efficient ships are quiet ships. As our industry cuts greenhouse gas emissions through the uptake of energy efficiency measures, the level of underwater radiated noise will also reduce and help protect marine life and the environment.”
The BIMCO/ICS guidance is intended for technical superintendents and ship officers to assist them understand what undersea radiated noise is and how they may help minimise it.
In September, ICS Publications released the second edition of “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to International Regulatory Compliance“.
