On 3 November 2025, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany (BSH) hosted the third round table on underwater noise and shipping in Hamburg. The event was organised together with German Shipowner Association (VDR), German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) and the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM), and brought together many different stakeholders like researchers, shipowners and -builders, environmental organisations, policy makers and international experts. The goal was simple: to share updates, exchange knowledge, and discuss how to reduce underwater noise from shipping.
Updates on national and international processes
The day started with short briefings on current work happening in Germany, Europe and worldwide. Topics included:
- HELCOM work on Best Available Technology (BAT) and Best Environmental Practice (BEP)
- OSPAR activities under RAP Noise and the inventory of noise mitigation measures
- The IMO Correspondence Group on underwater radiated noise
- The High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean
- National work related to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)
- Insights from the international round table in Marseille
- A national working group exploring incentive systems for quieter ships
These updates showed that many international processes are moving forward, and that cooperation between organisations is becoming increasingly important.
Project highlights and new technologies
Several ongoing projects were presented:
- DEMASK, with updates from work packages 1–3
- The BlueVisby Project, focusing on more efficient and quieter voyage planning
- Research from the Shipbuilding Research Institute in Potsdam on how ship design can support future IMO noise goals
These presentations underlined how technical innovation and policy development go hand in hand.
Developing a measurement station in German waters
A major topic this year was the idea of building a measurement station for underwater noise in German waters. To introduce this, FOI presented the Swedish Incite Ship project, which uses structured measurements to help understand vessel noise levels and to set incentives for reducing the individual shipping noise.
Participants reacted very positively. They offered useful ideas about design, data needs and possible uses. This feedback will help improve the concept for the station, which will be important for future noise monitoring and regulation. This topic is also highly relevant for DEMASK, especially for data collection and long-term strategies.
Further underwater noise sources
The final session focused on other noise sources that are becoming more common:
- USBL systems
- Ultrasonic antifouling technologies
These systems show that underwater noise is not only caused by ship engines and propellers, and that monitoring needs to cover more than traditional ship noise.
Key takeaways for DEMASK
The round table showed clear progress and strong engagement from all sectors. The main messages were:
- International cooperation is essential.
- Innovation is growing quickly and supports quieter shipping.
- A measurement station could play a key role in future monitoring and incentivization.
- Noise sources are becoming more diverse, so broader assessment and mitigation measures are needed.
For DEMASK, the meeting confirmed the value of its work: providing scientific insights, supporting new technologies, and helping shape future monitoring systems.
All presentations are available on the BSH underwater noise webpage.