setting course for a quieter and healthy ocean: speed up slowing down

(Brussels, Hamburg, Zurich – 30 March 2021) – Reduced ship speeds decrease CO2 emissions, underwater noise from shipping and other pollutants like black carbon - these are the conclusions of two studies commissioned by the Belgian Ministry for Environment and reviewed by IFAW and OceanCare experts, which will be presented during a webinar on 30th March.

The studies conducted by the independent TNO Research group analysed various scenarios based on real shipping traffic in the North Sea. The main findings show that limiting speeds to 75% of ship design speed results in a 10% reduction in the emission of the main pollutant gases like CO2, SOx, NOx and black carbon, and a meaningful reduction of underwater noise. For regulators, the option of limiting ships to 75% of their design speed is easy to apply and monitor. It also creates ‘a level playing field’, in which all ship types from different sectors would apply the same measures and no one would be unduly penalised.

The results of slowing down ships

“Swift action is needed for a healthy ocean. Slowing down commercial ships is a cost-effective solution that can be implemented immediately and has many co-benefits for the ocean, climate, and for whales and other marine life, that rely on sound for their survival. Industry, regulators and governments need to act now,” says Sharon Livermore, Director of Marine Conservation for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

“This initiative of the Belgian government comes at a crucial time and demonstrates how a modest speed reduction can have multi-environmental benefits,” adds Carlos Bravo, spokesperson of OceanCare. “We need similar ambitious activities and trials in the Mediterranean, one of the seas with the highest intensity of maritime traffic in the world. A set of binding measures combined with incentives should support the shipping industry to transition to more environmentally friendly operations”.

The findings of these studies are very timely, given the recent and alarming results from the EU funded project JOMOPANS (Joint Monitoring Programme for Ambient Noise North Sea), which highlighted just how much the North Sea soundscape is dominated by noise from shipping. IFAW and OceanCare also encourage governments and the EU to make use of the studies’ results for the future management of shipping globally.

“These two small studies provide a good indication of how ships slowing down will bring about several environmental wins. Slowing down also reduces the number of whales killed in collisions, and brings additional benefits to the shipping industry in fuel savings and increased efficiency. Urgent action is now needed by governments to support regulations and incentives that set a course for a quieter, healthier ocean” adds Livermore.