Until now, research on, and laws and regulations about the effects of the shipping industry mainly focus on the effects of the emissions and how to control them. Nevertheless, the emissions are not the only part of the shipping industry that influence the environment and the flora and fauna of the world's seas, noises play a big role too. Henk Prins, manager R&D at MARIN, explains: "At this very moment, the noise levels caused by the shipping industry, but also by for example oil rigs or wind farms, are relatively unknown, and laws and regulations in this area are limited. The IMO and the European Union however, are both paying more and more attention to this area. It is clear to us that in ten to 15 years stricter rules will be created. Shipyards, ship owners, suppliers, research institutes and others involved are therefore preparing themselves for possible changes."
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