The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises noise pollution as not only an environmental nuisance but a health threat too.
The transportation sector is the principal cause of environmental noise, but despite an abundance of studies on road, air and rail travel’s noise impact, there is relatively little research on noise pollution and maritime transportation. Here, KP Acoustics Research Labs investigates the ship noise levels research landscape.
Noise factors have become one of the most important ship design considerations. According to a 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, noise prevention methods such as improved insulation of living spaces, automation of machines, soundproof monitoring rooms and diesel–electric propulsion, have significantly decreased ship noise levels over the past few decades. However, both physical and psychological risks still exist for seafarers and the quest for faster and more economical ships must be balanced with the demand for a quiet and low-vibration environment on board.
The standards
In Europe, there are two main noise control standards that relate to maritime transport — the International Maritime Organization’s code and EU Directive 2003/10/EC, relating to noise at work. The ship operator is responsible for ensuring that noise reduction and control are applied and maintained in accordance with the codes. In the UK, the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Control of Noise at Work) Regulations 2007 stipulates exposure limit values of a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87dB (A-weighted) and a peak sound pressure of 140 dB(C-weighted). But is fulfilling the standards enough to achieve truly safe noise levels onboard ships?
"Two characteristics are important when considering noise, the amplitude and the frequency of the sound. Noise not only possesses a hearing loss hazard, but also has a real impact on human performance, which in turn impacts the frequency of industrial accidents."
According to a study published in Ships and Offshore Structures, 80 per cent of maritime accidents are attributed to human error. These accidents can result in casualties, extensive costs to shipping companies as well as damage to nature and marine life. Many activities in marine operations require teamwork and good communication between crew members, all of which can be affected by a noisy environment. While several studies have investigated the impact of fatigue on seafarers’ decision making, the reasons for this fatigue — one of which being environmental noise — haven’t received the same research attention.
Innovation, technology and engineering
It's only through greater understanding of seafarers, fishmen and workers’ current environments and noise exposure levels that we can continue to develop innovative technological solutions for the maritime sector. One place we can start is by making use of real time noise monitoring onboard ships. Quicker and more accurate insight enables a swifter response to noise mitigation and environmental protection. Combined with other smart sensors and controllers, real time noise monitoring could soon be a fundamental part of automated noise control.
So, what role do you think research and technology can play in understanding and limiting seafarers’ exposure to harmful noise levels? If you would like to discuss an upcoming research project, contact KP Acoustics Research Labs today.
Construction News
14/09/2022
Occupational Noise Exposure: Supporting Seafarers, Fishermen And Workers


04/04/2025
A major new multi-generational housing scheme is set to take shape in Congleton after the McGoff Group secured unanimous planning approval for its proposed development on Morley Drive, the former site of John Morley Limited.
Approved at a recent planning committee meeting, the joint application fro

04/04/2025
GMI Construction Group has broken ground on a new £17 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Foss Islands Road, marking its third major student housing project in York.
The five-storey scheme, developed in partnership by Urbium Capital and Harrogate-based Gregory Properti

04/04/2025
Network Rail has reopened a railway crossing at Vernatts Drain in Lincolnshire, using cutting-edge technology to ensure safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
The crossing, which had been temporarily closed during the construction of the Spalding Western Relief Road, has now been upgraded wi

04/04/2025
Construction has officially begun on a landmark maritime training facility in Whitby that aims to position the town as a key player in the UK's offshore renewable energy and maritime industries.
Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the £9.6 million Whitby Maritime Training Hub, a cutting-ed

04/04/2025
London Luton Airport has received the green light from the UK Government to increase its annual passenger capacity from 19 million to 32 million, in a decision expected to transform the town's economy and create thousands of new jobs.
The expansion proposal, brought forward by Luton Rising, the air

04/04/2025
Essential Green Skills, part of the Essential Site Skills Group, is encouraging commercial property owners to act now to improve their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings ahead of proposed tightening of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which could require a minimum EPC rating of

04/04/2025
M.A Humm Quantity Surveying & Estimating Ltd has been delivering comprehensive preconstruction solutions since 2008.
Specialising in full estimating services, detailed and bespoke quantity surveying services, precise measurement and Bills of Quantities, and meticulous project planning, the company

04/04/2025
AE Racking Installations Ltd, a leading provider of racking systems and storage solutions, is proud to offer a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of both residential and commercial clients.
Specialising in the installation, dismantling, and relocation of various racking systems, AE Ra

04/04/2025
If you've been wanting to give your home an update without breaking the bank, then you need luxury vinyl click flooring!
Vinyl has come a long way from the low-quality flooring of the past, and it´s now extremely durable and also comes in a large number of colours and styles to suit your taste.
V

03/04/2025
Galliford Try's Investments business has received planning permission for a major Private Rental Sector (PRS) development at Grafton Gate in Central Milton Keynes, set to transform the city's skyline with a 33-storey residential tower.
The 599 Grafton Gate scheme will deliver 302 new homes, offerin