Underwater noise
Problem: Underwater noise
Shipping is one of the main causes of continuous underwater noise. This has a detrimental effect on the life functions of a wide range of marine life, including marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates. For example, continuous underwater noise can restrict the communication of marine mammals and drive them out of their habitat.
The BSH continuously measures underwater noise along major shipping routes in the Baltic Sea. The following soundmap shows, as an example, the median sound level at 125 Hz in the Baltic Sea for the month of October 2018; as measured at the three stations “Leuchtturm Kiel,” “Fehmarnbelt,” and “Arkona”.
IMO guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise
In July 2023, the IMO's Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted revised, non-binding guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from shipping (“Revised guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life”) in order to reduce negative impacts on marine life.
The revised version replaces the previous guidelines from 2014. It provides an overview of current technical and operational measures for reducing underwater noise from ships and also includes templates for the creation of underwater noise management plans.
Round table on underwater noise and shipping
The round table on underwater noise and shipping has been organized and run by the BSH together with its partners, the German Shipowners' Association (VDR), the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), and the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) since 2023. Among other things, the round table aims to support the implementation of IMO guidelines and accompany further work at IMO level and within the framework of regional processes at OSPAR and HELCOM. The aim of the round table is to bring together all stakeholders involved in issues relating to underwater noise and shipping. The focus is on the exchange of information and technical discussion.
The minutes and presentations of the Underwater Noise Round Table can be found here.
