New Research Provides Real-Time Insight Into Underwater Noise for Ship Crews
Schottel, a German propulsion company, has concluded a research project in collaboration with Transport Canada and BC Ferries to explore solutions for underwater noise, a significant environmental concern in the Salish Sea due to its impact on the region’s endangered orca population. The project resulted in the development of a real-time onboard reporting system that enables operators to monitor and manage underwater noise levels.
The Strait of Georgia has environmental protection zones requiring ships to reduce speed or take longer routes to minimize noise impact. However, Schottel discovered that lowering speed doesn’t always equate to reduced noise levels. To pinpoint the precise causes of noise, Schottel—through the Quiet Vessel Initiative funded by the government—created a noise monitoring system using hydrophone recordings, hull vibration measurements, and machine learning.
This research was based on real-world operations aboard BC Ferries’ Coastal-class double-ended ferries. Schottel engineers identified a correlation between hull vibration (measured just above the propeller) and the noise emitted, leading to the creation of an algorithm that predicts underwater radiated noise while the ferry is underway. The algorithm uses factors like propeller speed, pitch, and vessel speed to estimate the decibel level near the ship.
Following the development of this algorithm, Schottel designed and fabricated a new propeller optimized to reduce noise. Testing the propeller in operation revealed an average noise reduction of five decibels, indicating that the algorithm can be a valuable tool in the propeller design process to select quieter shapes.
The study also focused on engaging the crew. The real-time reporting system developed during the research allows operators to monitor noise levels, analyze data over time to identify trends, and take action to reduce noise when possible.
“With these new analysis and prediction capabilities, it will be possible to significantly improve propulsion systems concerning [underwater radiated noise], which will greatly benefit efforts to preserve marine life,” Schottel stated.
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