A new comprehensive index to address underwater radiated noise from ships.

The global shipping industry plays a critical role in international trade, but its environmental impact extends beyond greenhouse gas emissions to include underwater noise pollution. As ships navigate the world's oceans, the noise generated by their engines, propellers, and hulls creates a persistent soundscape that can have far-reaching consequences for marine life. In response, the Noise Ship Index (NSI), developed by Quiet-Oceans, is a pioneering tool designed to assess and rate the underwater noise emissions of individual vessels.

This paper examines the relevance and need for a dedicated index, detail the proposal made through the Noise Ship Index (NSI), as well as the benefits it offers to various stakeholders within the maritime supply chain, including shipowners, maritime service providers, ports, and charterers.

The NSI framework, structured around four key pillars (Management & Empowerment, Diagnosis, Reduction, and Achievement), is discussed in detail, along with the scoring system and award levels that incentivize and recognize progress in reducing underwater noise.

The paper also highlights the crucial role that the financial sector and insurance industry can play in promoting the widespread adoption of the NSI through initiatives such as preferential financing, incorporation into ESG criteria, and adjustments to insurance premiums. Finally, the authors present policy recommendations to effectively address underwater noise from shipping and support the implementation of the Noise Ship Index, including the development of regulatory frameworks, incentive mechanisms, and enhanced monitoring and enforcement.

By providing a standardized and transparent way to measure and reduce underwater noise, the NSI can drive industry-wide changes towards more sustainable and responsible maritime operations, ultimately contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems and the long-term viability of the shipping industry.

Keywords: Underwater noise, shipping, Noise Ship Index, marine environment, environmental impact, policy recommendations