The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recently reviewed the Guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impact on marine life (Ref MEPC.1 / Circ.906).
From the ship angle, the propulsion is the primary source of URN. The propeller cavitation itself, when occurring, is known to be the dominant contribution of URN.
As per now, shipowners are still struggling to fulfil the GHG emissions related requirements (EEDI/EEXI, CII, Fit for 55). The need for URN reduction cannot be detrimental to GHG emissions. Furthermore, for existing ships, implementing URN-related technologies is still at an early stage.
A unique approach was developed to enable shipowners to manage their main URN sources and propulsion efficiency status by means of an onboard real-time, digitally advanced, and easily adaptable monitoring solution, the Ni-CDS.
After conducting a proper characterization of the ship’s URN (onboard/outboard), the permanently installed solution provides a reporting interface on the actual URN and, thanks to a mid-term analysis, advises on the propeller’s maintenance.
Moreover, using the Ni-CDS facilitates the assessment of new, innovative, noise signature reduction assets being developed in the market, being able to evaluate the reduction before and after the deployment of the asset.
Authors:
- Publio Beltrán Palomo – Técnicas y Servicios de Ingeniería S.L. General Director.
- Eric Baudin – Bureau Veritas Solutions M&O. Innovation & Energy Transition Manager.
- Luis A. Piqueras – Técnicas y Servicios de Ingeniería S.L. Production Department.
- M. Antonia Tesorero -Técnicas y Servicios de Ingeniería S.L. Production Department.
- Richard García Méndez – Técnicas y Servicios de Ingeniería S.L. Developments.
- Santiago Molins – RDI Department Manager.
