From 6-7 November, the IMO held a workshop on the relationship between ship energy efficiency (EE) and underwater radiated noise (URN). Following the approval of the Action Plan for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping at MEPC 82, this workshop heard from experts across the sector to explore emerging trends and ongoing efforts in forecasting energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise (EE/URN). Drawing on case studies, the two-day workshop also highlighted practical lessons and identified opportunities to strengthen public-private collaboration and steps toward integrated EE/URN approaches. Attendees heard from Lee Kindberg of associate member Starcrest Consulting, who presented on behalf of IAPH on the development of the ESI noise module and technical modelling.

This presentation provided an overview of how URN will be integrated into the scheme – specifically, the scoring criteria for vessels. Incentive receivers will be scored on quiet vessel class notation, participation in vessel speed reductions programs, use of technologies that reduce URN and on whether a URN Reduction Management Plan has been implemented in line with the IMO Revised Guidelines. A full report on the outcomes of this workshop will be submitted to the Ship Design and Construction Sub-Committee (SDC 12), due to take place in January 2026, for consideration as part of its ongoing work to provide recommendations to the Experience-Building Phase (EBP) under the URN Action Plan.
Source: IAPH