Alignment and incentivization of underwater noise notations for quiet ships (PDF)

Trounce, K., M.A.  Ainslie, D. Hannay, and J. Eickmeier

The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life (2023)

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-10417-6_168-1

The approaches for measurement and analysis of underwater vessel radiated noise are complex and evolving. As underwater noise gains increased attention internationally, ship owners and operators are faced with the challenge of understanding the noise emissions of their fleet. An owner seeking to determine if an existing or future vessel design may qualify for a quiet notation must carefully evaluate the available certification options and consider the cost. Differences in terminology, methodology, and approach from international ship classification societies, coupled with the lack of a standardized approach for vessel measurements in shallow water, can make certification daunting to the owner. Recognizing this challenge, the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, supported by Transport Canada, initiated a project to work with ship classification societies and technical experts toward the alignment of quiet ship notations, through a series of three annual workshops. In 2017, Vancouver became the first port in the world to offer financial incentives to ships with quiet notations, and through the alignment project, strives to increase the number of ships achieving notations and being rewarded for this practice – at the Port of Vancouver and around the world.