Underwater noise of merchant ships: Prediction tools and developments

摘要

From studies in marine biology it is known that the behaviour of marine animals, mainly sea mammals, is effected by increasing background noise. Cavitation of ship propellers has been identified as a main source of this background noise. The EU requires member states to demonstrate that human caused underwater noise does not harm marine life. This paper presents actual European research projects as well as related ITTC activities. The first objective is to enhance the understanding of underwater noise generated by a cavitating ship propeller and to develop tools to predict noise levels of individual ships. Finally the mapping of underwater noise generated by shipping in general is required to investigate mitigation measures for quietening the oceans. This paper presents actual prediction tools to be applied and developed within the a.m. projects.