Hafnia launched a pioneering pilot project with DNV to measure and manage the Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) of its vessels to protect marine life. This permanently installed system is the first of its kind to directly link a vessel’s underwater noise profile with onboard measurements.
This project is particularly important, as underwater vessel noise can disturb marine fauna and is increasingly considered a key environmental challenge. Some areas already limit vessel noise or offer reduced port fees for quieter vessels, and international authorities, including the IMO, are adopting stricter standards.
The pilot project includes two vessels, the Hafnia Excel and the Hafnia Osprey, which are having onboard monitoring systems installed during dry dock.
These systems will provide continuous measurements of underwater noise and information on the impact of normal vessel operations on the marine environment. In addition to onboard monitoring, external hydrophone (underwater microphone) measurements will be performed to obtain valuable baseline data.
The goal is to develop a Noise Management Plan for Hafnia’s vessel types. This will not only help anticipate compliance requirements but will also guide decisions on potential noise reduction measures and future shipbuilding specifications. The project is expected to generate crucial information for both Hafnia and DNV.
“At Hafnia, we believe sustainability involves addressing even the less visible impacts of shipping. Underwater noise is an often-overlooked challenge that affects marine life, and this project with DNV helps us take a significant step towards protecting the oceans we rely on. By acting proactively, we are gaining insights that will guide vessel design and operations forward in a more sustainable way,” stated Ralph Juhl, Executive Vice President and Technical Director of Hafnia.
