There are many different sources of underwater noise, such as the construction and operation of offshore facilities, shipping, dredging, geological surveys, etc., with varying adverse effects on marine organisms. The most significant adverse impact of underwater noise from shipping results from the frequency of the generated sound, which overlaps with the frequency used for communication by many marine species.
IMO Guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life
In recognition of the negative impact of underwater noise on marine life, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved the “Guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life” during its 66th session in 2014. After extensive consultations in recent years between IMO member states and international organizations, in which the Association of German Shipowners (VDR) actively participated through Germany and its international umbrella organization, the International Chamber of Shipping, the Revised Guidelines on Underwater Noise from Shipping were adopted in July 2023 during the eightieth session of the MEPC.
The revised guidelines were officially published on August 22, 2023, providing guidance to stakeholders on potential approaches to reduce underwater noise.
The German Shipowners' Association recommends shipping companies to consider voluntarily implementing the revised IMO guidelines for reducing underwater noise. Shipping companies are obligated to implement measures for greenhouse gas reduction/energy efficiency to meet mandatory standards. Many effective measures for greenhouse gas reduction also offer an effective approach to reducing underwater noise. Careful selection of measures for greenhouse gas reduction/energy efficiency can, in many cases, lead to a reduction in underwater noise without additional costs
Runder Tisch Unterwasserschall und Schifffahrt (national Round Table on Underwater Noise and Shipping)
The VDR is a collaborative partner of the Round Table on Underwater Noise and Shipping, which was initiated in 2023 by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), along with other partners, including the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) and the Association for Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology (VSM).
The aim of the Round Table is to bring together all relevant stakeholders on this issue. The main focus is on information exchange and professional discussion to actively support and discuss the development and implementation of currently relevant regulations for the reduction of underwater noise in a constructive manner.
