In alignment with Hafnia’s sustainability goals, Hafnia is launching a pioneering pilot project with DNV to measure and manage Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) from Hafnia vessels. This permanently installed system is the first of its kind that directly links the underwater noise profile of a vessel with onboard measurements – and has just been completed onboard the Hafnia Excel.
This project is of particular importance, where underwater noise from ships can disrupt marine wildlife and is increasingly seen as a key environmental challenge. Some areas already limit vessel noise or offer reduced port fees for quieter ships, and international authorities, including the IMO, are moving toward stricter rules. While today URN standards are still recommendations, they will one day become mandatory. By acting early, Hafnia is building both knowledge and leadership in this area.
The pilot involves two vessels – the Hafnia Excel and the Hafnia Osprey where onboard monitoring systems are being installed during drydocking.
These systems will provide continuous measurements of underwater noise and insights into how normal ship operations impact the marine environment.Alongside onboard monitoring,external hydrophone (underwater microphone) measurements will also be carried out to add valuable reference data.
| Read More:MTF issues new guidelines for the safe Inspection of methanol dual-fuel ships |
The goal is to develop a Noise Management Plan for Hafnia’s vessel types. This will not only help in staying ahead of compliance requirements but also guide decisions on possible noise-reducing measures and future shipbuilding specifications. The project is expected to generate critical insights for both Hafnia and DNV.
“At Hafnia, we believe sustainability means 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 an important step toward protecting the oceans we depend on. By acting early, we are building knowledge that will guide vessel design and operations moving forward in a more sustainable manner” said Ralph Juhl, EVP, Technical Director at Hafnia.
“This pilot represents a technically significant step toward quantifying and verifying reducing underwater noise emissions across the global fleet.The system introduces a new way of tracking and verifying the impact of noise-reducing measures. We are pleased to collaborate with Hafnia, whose engagement reflects a shared commitment to advancing practical solutions that may help inform future regulatory developments,” said Øystein Solheim Pettersen, Head of Section for Noise and Vibration in DNV Maritime Advisory.
