Underwater
Radiated Noise

Over 90% of the world's trade occurs via maritime transport. Air pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and underwater radiated noise are unintended by-products of this international shipping. 

The maritime sector is aware of the urgency to reduce its impact on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Thereto, in 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted an Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships. Besides this, IMO has also taken a progressive reduction approach of NOx, SOx and particulate matter to prevent air pollution from ships. Since last year, to help protect maritime wildlife, IMO's work also includes the reduction of underwater noise from ships. By contributing to this important study, comissioned by the BE competent authorities, the RBSA aims to contribute to the important work ongoing at the IMO.

Science and policy need to go hand in hand, only when there is solid, objective facts and data available, a good and sustainable international policy can be developed. Ideally, measures taken to reduce GHG emissions would also reduce underwater noise, but the link between the two has not yet been clearly demonstrated. In this study, researchers have investigated all options for reducing GHG emissions as well as underwater noise, with a focus on our Belgian shipping fleet.

ultimately, there will need to be an international policy in place to ensure the world fleet’s competitiveness, and to protect the frontrunner shipowners who are taking substantial risks at times, be it to reduce their GHG, waste or noise.