POSSIBLE design and software solutions for cargo and passenger ships have been discussed during a conference in the Indian city of Mumbai.
Entitled Design Solutions for Noise Reduction in Defence and Commercial Ships, the conference was organised by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) and Dassault Systèmes and was held at the IRClass head office.
Attending were participants from several sectors including the Indian Navy, shipyards, designers, consultants and ship operators.
IRClass joint managing director Vijay Arora addressed the conference, highlighting the importance of noise prediction and its evolving techniques in view of the present IMO noise code.
The conference discussed possible design and software solutions for conventional passenger and cargo ships to meet regulatory requirements outlined in International Maritime Organization’s Code on noise levels on board ships, which requires the measurement of noise levels and recommends limits on acceptable maximum noise levels.
To comply with the IMO Resolution, the conference noted noise prediction was required right from the initial design stage. The effects of insulation and alternative arrangements to keep noise levels within specified limits through such predictions were also discussed.
In addition, the conference also covered issues relating to underwater radiated noise generated by defence vessels. The effects of URN by commercial and defence vessels on marine life were highlighted during a panel session.
IRClass divisional head of research and innovation N. Girish assignment of appropriate class notations to ships indicating the noise level comfort for crew and passengers would be useful.
“Also, there is a need for ‘silent’ vessel notations which signify the protection of the environment from underwater as well as airborne noise emissions from ships,” Mr Girish said.
“While these notations will be assigned based on final measured noise levels, prediction at design stage holds the key to achieving those levels.”
The conference ended with delegates from the defence and commercial shipping community expressing support for ongoing technical discussions on how noise reduction methods and safety management practices would evolve together with technological advancements.
