The first merchant ship has officially received a notation
on its class registration regarding its ability to reduce and eliminate
underwater noise during its operations. DNV, the first classification society
to offer an underwater noise notation, announced that it has recorded the
notation for a newly built Aframax tanker. The notation is part of an effort to
encourage shipbuilders and owners to take further steps to make their new
vessels more ecologically friendly.
The 115,000 dwt crude oil tanker Onex Peace was built by
Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and recently delivered to its owner ONEX.
Registered in Panama, it became the world’s first merchant ship to receive
DNV’s SILENT-E notation.
“Onex Peace is a competitive ship that can operate in waters
with strict regulations without disrupting the sea’s ecosystem,” said Gemma
McQueen, Director of Corporate Communications at ONEX DMCC Dubai UAE. “This
proven low noise technology will create the capability to deliver improved
operational performance, expand operational routes, and enhance environmental
management of the ship.”
The SILENT-E notation ensures ships do not exceed
average-to-moderate Underwater Radiation Noise (URN) levels. Vessels with this
notation can minimize their impact on marine life and document noise
performance for authorities, or those requiring proof of noise emissions for
transit through vulnerable areas.
“In a highly competitive market, HHI has proved its
capability to build a high-quality ship with improved fuel efficiency while
satisfying eco-friendly underwater noise standards,” said Won-Ho Joo, Senior
Executive Vice President, Hyundai Heavy Industries. “We will strengthen
research and development on low-noise and green ships to ensure our continued
competitiveness in the future eras of eco-friendly ships.”
DNV and HHI, along with the Korea Research Institute of
Ships & Ocean Engineering are conducting a joint research project on
measuring and evaluating underwater radiation noise. As part of the study, the
parties carried out the underwater noise measurement and analysis of the Onex
Peace. Subsequently, DNV granted the SILENT-E notation, verifying that the
meets the requirements of certification.
“By receiving the notation, ONEX and HHI are demonstrating
that they are taking a step ahead in working to minimize the impact of shipping
on the environment,” said Vidar Dolonen, DNV Regional Manager for Korea and
Japan. “This is becoming increasingly important for stakeholders at all levels
of the value chain, and we hope that the awarding of this notation is another
important milestone that will help to raise standards in shipping to the next
level.”