T-AO FLEET NOISE CONTROL

The John Lewis-class oilers are the newest additions to the T-AO fleet, operated by Military Sealift Command and responsible for replenishing US Navy vessels. The ships are designed to deliver fuel and supplies while underway, and are part of a 20-ship class that will become the cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel pipeline at sea.

NCE began working for General Dynamics NASSCO in 2016 to develop strategies to meet the John Lewis class noise goals while the vessels were still in the design phase. For this multi-vessel project, we provided recommendations for equipment selection and noise mitigation solutions for various acoustic elements on board the ships, including equipment isolation mounting, insulation, and joinery. Following construction, we performed dockside noise testing and testing during sea trials.

Since NCE joined the project, our engineers have performed compartment and topside noise testing for multiple John Lewis-class vessels to make sure each ship meets the vessel noise requirements.