BIMCO position statement on underwater radiated noise
Overview
BIMCO's position has been approved by the BIMCO Board of Directors.
Background
Underwater radiated noise and its impact on the marine environment are not yet covered by IMO regulations, but guidelines on reducing underwater radiated noise from commercial shipping have been adopted (MSC.1/Circ.833, which is currently under revision).
At present, noise-reduction technologies apply to specialized ship types, such as navy and research ships and are not available on a large-scale nor sufficiently mature for implementation on commercial ships.
BIMCO’s position
- BIMCO will work towards formulating a common industry position on the reduction of underwater radiated noise from ships to ensure that any future targets are based on scientifically sound research on the impact on marine life.
- BIMCO supports the IMO review of the guidelines on the reduction of underwater radiated noise from commercial shipping.
-
BIMCO believes that mandatory ship design requirements to minimise underwater radiated noise should apply only to new ships.
-
BIMCO finds that the criteria used for the designation of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) could be suitable to help mitigate underwater radiated noise from ships.
-
BIMCO supports a holistic view so as to ensure that any measures to reduce underwater radiated noise are balanced against potentially increased air emissions.
-
BIMCO calls for classification societies to harmonise methodologies and procedures to measure underwater radiated noise.
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
26 June 2019
Updated: 07 December 2021
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Related publication
Shipmaster's Ballast Water Manual 2.0
The background for this publication is the new regulations relating to ballast water that have changed dramatically in recent years and the operational aspec...
Want to stay up-to-date?
Register for updates about
{{Title}}
Receive emails when this topic is updated – you can choose how often.
Register NowELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Chartering help & advice
This section contains a comprehensive source of information and guidance on chartering related matters. You will find invaluable information on many aspects of chartering distilled from our many years’ experience on advising members.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
