Regulation of noise from moored ships in ports
Regular paper
DGMR
Tuesday 2 june, 2015, 11:00 - 11:20
0.6 Madrid (49)
Abstract:
Ships that are moored in ports need energy for deck ventilation, electricity for crew/passengers cabins, energy for cooled containers, etc. Since only few ports and ships are equipped with alternative maritime power, ships generate their own power with auxiliary engines. The power of these engines are up to 21 MW for the Emma Maersk (largest container ship), to 98 MW for the MS Allure of the Seas (largest cruise ship). The sound power of different types of ships is investigated and is now available in dependence of the dead weight tonnage.
With this knowledge calculations were made for the yearly averaged noise levels around the Port of Amsterdam. This shows that ships are the main contributing noise source in the Amsterdam port area. Other ports will not be very different.
The noise contribution of ships is also noticed by the people living near ports. The complaints due to moored ships are investigated for the Rotterdam Port area. It shows that on average 250 complaints are reported every year on this subject.
Since sea going ships sailing under foreign flag are not subject to national laws, little can be done by individual ports on this subject. Also the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or Environmental Ship Index (ESI) sets no limits to the noise pollution of ships. Therefore a international research has to be adopted to regulate ships noise levels. This can be part of the ESI, which enables ports to reduce port fees based on the environmental impact from ships.