Bureau Veritas Joins LOWNOISER Project to Advance Underwater Noise Reduction in Shipping

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) is participating in the LOWNOISER project, a European Union-funded initiative aimed at reducing underwater radiated noise (URN) from ships and protecting marine ecosystems. Bringing its expertise in ship performance analysis, regulatory development, and stakeholder engagement, BV is working alongside industry and research partners to explore innovative solutions that minimize the impact of maritime noise pollution.

With €6.3 million in EU funding, the four-year LOWNOISER project unites 15 international partners to develop and test new noise-reduction technologies, establish regulatory frameworks, and promote industry best practices. Underwater noise generated by ships can interfere with marine species that rely on sound for navigation, communication, and survival. In response, the European Commission’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive has set clear objectives to limit biologically harmful noise levels in marine habitats.

Since the project’s inception, BV has been contributing its expertise in ship energy modelling, safety assessment, regulatory development, and stakeholder engagement through its active involvement in Work Packages 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8. This includes using its Ship Energy Efficiency Calculation and Analysis Tool (SEECAT) tool to model ship energy efficiency and GHG emissions, conducting safety assessments to ensure noise-reduction technologies align with vessel performance, developing regulatory guidelines in line with IMO URN regulations, and engaging stakeholders to promote knowledge sharing and disseminate project findings across the maritime industry. 

For more than a decade, BV has been actively engaged in URN-related research and regulatory efforts, contributing to discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) on URN harmonization. Through its involvement in multiple key R&D projects, including AQUO, PIAQUO, and SATURN, BV has worked closely with industry and academic partners to advance noise-mitigation strategies. These collaborations have brought together key stakeholders, including our long-standing partners TSI, UPC, and Kongsberg Maritime. Building on our extensive experience, the LOWNOISER project represents a concrete step toward in translating research into practical solutions for the industry.