Green Marine Europe at the IMO Workshop on Underwater Radiated Noise and Energy Efficiency

A global dialogue on ship efficiency and ocean health

On 6–7 November 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will convene experts, institutions, and maritime stakeholders in London for a dedicated Expert Workshop on the relationship between ship energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise (URN).

The event aims to deepen understanding of how technological and operational measures can simultaneously reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and underwater noise pollution, two environmental challenges that are increasingly seen as interconnected.

Antidia CITORES, General Manager of Green Marine Europe (GME), will take part in the discussions to share insights from GME’s environmental certification program, along with the progress and challenges faced by its participants on this key issue for marine biodiversity. She will also highlight the Green Marine program, a pioneer in this field in Canada, thereby underlining the international scope of our two programs on both sides of the Atlantic.

🔗 More information, program and registration: https://urls.fr/g6ts3u

Underwater noise: a key indicator in the GME framework

Within the Green Marine Europe certification framework, underwater radiated noise is a stand-alone performance indicator used to evaluate and improve shipowners’ environmental management.

This indicator recognizes the significant impact of vessel-generated sound — from engines, propellers, and hull vibrations — on marine fauna. High noise levels can disrupt the communication, migration, and reproduction of many species, including cetaceans and fish populations.

GME’s approach is built on collaboration with scientific, industrial, and environmental stakeholders. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), a long-time supporter of GME and an active member of its Steering Committee, plays a key role in helping bridge research, regulation, and operational practice.

According to the Green Marine Europe 2024 Performance Report: 21% of certified shipowners achieved Level 3 or higher on the underwater noise indicator.

These companies implemented specific technical measures such as:

• optimized propeller design,
• the use of anti-vibration hull coatings, and
• adaptive speed management in sensitive areas.

These results reflect a growing maturity among European shipowners in addressing acoustic pollution — a complex challenge requiring alignment between operational performance, technological innovation, and scientific knowledge.

A strengthened dynamic for 2025–2026

In 2025, Green Marine Europe joined the PELAGOS Consortium, an international partnership launched during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice.

The consortium brings together 13 international partners with a shared ambition: to make the Pelagos Sanctuary a global model for transboundary marine governance, grounded in cooperation between scientific, regulatory, and operational stakeholders to protect cetaceans and their habitats.

Building on this momentum, the 2026 GME framework will include a revised version of the Underwater Noise indicator, reflecting both: the outcomes of the IMO Experience-Building Phase led by the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC), and the advancements achieved within the Pelagos Consortium.

This revision comes at a time when an emerging coalition of States is advocating for a “Quiet Ocean”, signalling a growing international alignment toward noise reduction as a pillar of ocean sustainability.

Reducing the acoustic footprint of shipping

For Green Marine Europe, the objective is clear: to reduce the acoustic footprint of maritime transport while advancing toward a low-carbon, biodiversity-respecting model for the industry.

Green Marine Europe continues to help maritime actors translate environmental ambition into concrete progress — for quieter seas, healthier ecosystems, and a sustainable future for shipping.