In March 2025, a roundtable on underwater noise was organized by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and hosted by CMA CGM at their headquarters in Marseille. In total more than 50 stakeholders were present, including representatives from the shipping industry and ports, certification societies, policymakers, scientists and researchers. Federica Pace (JASCO) and Maarten Verdaasdonk (North Sea Foundation) were present at the seminar, during which Maarten gave a presentation about the DEMASK project.
Developments
During this event the latest developments related to underwater noise reduction were discussed, as well as the study of acoustic signatures of commercial vessels and the role of ports. There was a focus on progress on various levels, including globally at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), but also on the European level and what this means for EU member states. Furthermore, recent reports and findings were discussed, around which also the precautionary principle was mentioned by stakeholders.
Presentation by DEMASK
Presention DEMASK
By presenting the DEMASK project, we ensured that many stakeholders are now aware of the project, including its goals and activities. Besides this, the main message in the presentation was to encourage stakeholders to start acting where they can. As there is sufficient knowledge that underwater noise is harmful, every stakeholder in the maritime industry can already play its part. The stakeholders were encouraged to see which difference they can already make and to start collaborations with other stakeholders around them.
Events like this are very helpful to bring together stakeholders that can make a difference. This roundtable provided the possibility to share a lot of information and developments regarding underwater noise and its reduction, including the DEMASK project. However, at this point a lot of work remains to be done to reduce underwater noise caused by ships and to protect marine life.
The report of this seminar in Marseille can be downloaded here
