“‘Quiet tanker’ to care for marine ecosystem

Onex Peace, an Aframax tanker built at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HHI) for Onex, is the world’s first commercial vessel with a Silent-E notation from classification society DNV.

Most of us imagine that there is complete silence underwater. But year after year, the oceans and seas are getting louder and louder. The noise is caused by ships’ powerful engines, generators and propellers, but also by water rushing over the hull. In some areas of the oceans, speed zones are even introduced to prevent hazards from vessels.

DNV is the first classification society to offer the Silent-E notation. It ensures that ships do not exceed moderate levels of underwater radiation noise, thus minimising their impact on the lives of marine creatures. It is also an acoustic performance document for those requiring proof of noise emissions for transit through sensitive areas.

In a highly competitive market, HHI has proven its ability to build a high-quality vessel with improved fuel efficiency while meeting environmentally friendly underwater noise standards, said Won-Ho Joo, senior executive vice president of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). – We will strengthen research and development on quiet and environmentally friendly vessels to ensure our continued competitiveness.

DNV, HHI and KRISO (Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering) are conducting a joint research project on underwater noise measurement and assessment. As part of the research, the parties conducted measurement and analysis of Onex Peace underwater noise. DNV then awarded the Silent-E notation, thereby verifying that the vessel meets the certification requirements.

By receiving the notation, Onex and HHI are showing that they want to be one step ahead in working to minimise the environmental impact of shipping, said Vidar Dolonen, DNV’s regional manager for Korea and Japan. – This is becoming more and more important, and we hope that the award of this notation is another important milestone which will help raise standards in shipping.

tel. PortalMorski.pl

Photo: Anglo-Eastern; DNV