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Underwater noise for non-military applications has gained significant importance in the last
ten years, particularly for vessels operating in environmentally sensitive areas. NCE has
extensive experience in the design of such vessels which may include research vessels, tugboats,
offshore supply vessels (OSV's) and other military vessels. Notable projects in this area are
the acoustically quieted Fisheries Research Vessel (FRV) for National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and a quiet general research vessel for the University of Delaware,
R/V HUGH R. SHARP.
For further details use link to see the project portfolio or go to that page.
NCE offers analysis, design and testing services for the prediction and reduction of shipboard
underwater noise levels. NCE can also evaluate other marine platforms such as offshore oil rigs.
NCE uses Designer-NOISE™ to predict underwater noise levels which allows for determination of the
critical noise path. This allows for effective selection of noise control treatments. NCE can
perform underwater noise analysis and treatment evaluations and/or trade off studies during concept
or detail design stages.
Whether specific underwater noise requirements need to be achieved (such as ICES CRR 209) or
your vessel must operate quieter, NCE can provide engineering services during the early design
phase of noise critical ships. We have underwater noise prediction tools such as
Designer-NOISE™ and a large database of machinery noise and vibration (source) levels
and underwater noise levels from various types of ships. This along with many years experience,
allow NCE to generate accurate estimates of a ship's underwater noise from preliminary design
information (usually, General Arrangements, Machinery Arrangements, Typical Structural Section,
and Insulation Detail). Contact NCE for an exact list of required technical information.
In cases where requirements are not achieved, NCE will offer recommendations for noise
reduction. Our approach is to recommend treatments with the highest reduction at lowest cost.
However, in many cases integrated set of noise control treatments may be needed. Such treatments
include vibration isolation, acoustic insulation, hull damping, and pipe attenuation devices.
NCE has a large database of noise control treatment attenuation from both our own use and from
the vendors themselves. Using the above tools, NCE can provide trade-off studies and cost-benefit
analysis for a quiet ship design.
The construction of a quiet ship requires more than just a quiet design. Many of the noise
control treatments can impact other factors in the vessel design such as space, weight, maintenance.
Further, installation of the materials can be critical to final performance. Because treatment
installation and ship construction are critical to vessel's eventual noise, NCE provides both
training and vessel inspection services. NCE can train construction personnel in the important
aspects of building quiet ships. Generally such training is important for engineering, quality
control, supervisors and foremen. NCE also conducts inspections of noise critical ships during
construction. Such inspections are performed during major machinery installation and insulation
installation.
After the design and construction of a quiet vessel, verification may be required, usually for
contractual reasons. NCE has the instrumentation and methodology to measure the underwater noise
from ships or other marine structures in any open water location. Measurements are performed using
"commercial-off-the shelf" (COTS) technology. NCE has conducted underwater noise measurements in
the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, Puget Sound and abroad. NCE can also serve as owner
representative, if more rigorous measurements by the U.S. Navy are desired. NCE can arrange
underwater noise surveys at U.S. Navy facilities on both East and West Coasts.
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