In Depth: Outcomes of MEPC 82
The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee MEPC 82 met from 30 September to 4 October 2024 and discussed a range of environmental matters, including proposed mid-term measures for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, enhancing energy efficiency of shipping, tackling marine litter, ballast water management and underwater noise reduction.Tackling climate change - cutting GHG emissions from shipsThe Committee made progress on the development of mid-term…
New Guide Links Underwater Radiated Noise and GHG Emissions
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications has released the second edition of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to International Regulatory Compliance.The guide addresses the full spectrum of issues related to maritime emissions, from current regulations to future projections. It pays particular attention to the needs of the tanker sector, for which the CII regulations are particularly complex.Key highlights of the second edition include:● A new chapter on the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)…
Danish Shipping Adopts Policy on Underwater Radiated Noise
Commercial shipping is one of the main contributors to underwater radiated noise, which has adverse effects on a wide range of marine life, including whales and fish. Therefore, Danish Shipping has recommended its members follow a new set of IMO guidelines aiming to reduce underwater radiated noise and preserve marine biodiversity.The IMO guidelines provide an overview of approaches applicable to designers, shipbuilders, and ship operators to reduce the underwater radiated noise of any given ship.
The Problem with Reducing Underwater Radiated Noise
If the global commercial fleet reduced its speed by 10%, it would reduce underwater radiated noise by 40%, but nothing’s ever that simple.The main thing holding the shipping industry back from reducing its underwater radiated noise (URN) is not a lack of appropriate technology. It’s argued that many of the technologies being implemented today to reduce fuel consumption also reduce noise. So, the noise reductions could essentially come at no net cost to the shipowner, but there’s a lack of regulation and a lack of targeted incentives…
