Hi!
We hear that IMO is about to regulate the underwater ship noise.
What is the current status?
Hello @Captain_Tim,
In 2008, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set up a group to develop non-mandatory technical guidelines on ship noise control strategies, resulting in the ‘IMO Guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life’ . The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) in 2023 The MEPC approved revised Guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life.
MEPC.1-Circ.906 - Revised Guidelines For The Reduction Of Underwater Radiated Noise From Shipping to address Adverse Impacts on Marine Life (22 August 2023).pdf (333.4 KB)
Let me share a list of few countries engaged in regulating underwater noise from shipping:
1. Canada - Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Since 2017, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has been implementing a voluntary vessel slowdown trial for commercial vessels in key known foraging areas for southern resident killer whales, which are locally considered an emblematic species
2. Canada - Prince Rupert Port Authority
Offer incentives to ships using quieting technology or with quiet notations. Their programs include quiet vessel notations qualifying the ships for discount in harbor dues.
3. New Zealand - Port of Auckland
The Port of Auckland introduced the Hauraki Gulf Transit Protocol, which includes a voluntary 10 knot speed limit.
Reference:
https://www.poal.co.nz/sustain/Documents/150112-Transit%20Protocol.pdf
4. Australia
There are speed limitations in caution zones for cetaceans (Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy Ministry, 2000).
5. Germany
Noise generating activities are excluded from certain areas, for instance, by moving shipping lanes.
Reference:
6. Malta
Noise and light emissions from navigation and other sea-based recreational activities are regulated in two special marine areas.
Reference:
https://era.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/POMs_SummaryReport_Malta2017.pdf
7. Sweden
Noise generating activities are excluded from certain areas, for instance, by moving shipping lanes. There are also design and onboard machinery measures aimed at mitigating the noise from ship traffic on a voluntary basis. These measures should improve fuel efficiency and maintenance.
Reference:
8. United States
In the United States, the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank sanctuaries have experimented with voluntary speed reductions for vessels to protect whales from strikes and acoustic impacts (Joint Working Group on Vessel Strikes and Acoustic Impacts, 2012).
Reference:
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