The European Commission awards DCNS leadership of RTD project on ship noise pollution
Reducing ship noise pollution is a key factor in reducing the ecological impact of maritime transportation. Accordingly, the European Commission has decided to provide €3.5 million in funding* for the DCNS-led SILENV project
SILENV stands for ‘Ship-oriented Innovative soLutions to rEduce Noise & Vibration'. The main aim is to conduct a broad study of noise pollution in maritime activities with a view to a draft proposal for an ‘acoustic green label' identifying noise limits for each type of ship and recommendations to achieve compliance.
The studies will cover:
- the impact of shipboard noise and vibration on crews and passengers,
- noise pollution in port environments,
- the impact of noise generated by maritime traffic on marine fauna.
The project will take 36 months and comprise several phases. The first phase will include a survey of existing standards, regulations and analyses to refine the objectives of each area of investigation. A ship acoustic survey will then be compiled from data supplied by SILENV partners and additional measurement data recorded specifically for the project. The final phase will involve drafting proposals to reduce ship noise and computer modelling of the anticipated results.
The DCNS-led SILENV project will involve partners from 14 EU countries, including Bulgaria, France, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The partners include industrial firms, RTD organisations and university laboratories specialising in naval construction and noise and vibration.
The overall budget is around €5 million, including €3.5 million funded by the European Commission.
*FP7 Work Programme - Surface Transport - 2nd Call - Nov. 2007 - May 2008. Theme SST.2008.1.1.3 - Holistic noise and vibration abatement.
About DCNS
DCNS is a leading European player on the world market for naval defence systems. The Group designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. Drawing on dedicated teams, proven expertise and extensive industrial resources, DCNS is also expanding into new markets in civil nuclear energy, marine renewable energy and naval and industrial services. DCNS is committed to sustainable development and was one of the first defence contractors to achieve Group-wide certification to ISO 14001. The Group employs 12,000 staff and generates annual revenues of around €2.5 billion (2008 figures).
Media contacts:
Virginie Lemière
+33 (0) 01 40 59 53 57
virginie.lemiere@dcnsgroup.com
Bertrand Baudry
+33 (0)2 97 12 19 67
bertrand.baudry@dcnsgroup.com