Ponant’s Le Jacques-Cartier granted class notation for underwater radiated noise

NR614 establishes requirements for the measurement of underwater radiated noise and the acoustic sound signature emitted by self-propelled ships, to support the management and mitigation of sound on marine life.

Mathieu Petiteau, director of newbuilding, research & development, Ponant, said the certification recognises ‘years of research and development dedicated to the creation of the Ponant Explorers series.’ 

He added, ‘It perfectly illustrates Ponant's commitment to making environmental protection its priority, right from the design of ships.’ 

The URN notation is valid for 5 years at a maximum speed of 13 knots; it is in addition to the Bureau Veritas Comfort 1 certification previously issued across the Ponant fleet by Bureau Veritas, having achieved the lowest possible noise impact level for passengers.

Le Jacques-Cartier 

Sound tests were carried out in September off the coast of Morgat, in the Gulf of Morbihan, Brittany. Using a measurement buoy in the form of a floating line with three hydrophones, Bureau Veritas, with technical support from acoustic specialists Quiet Oceans, analysed sound radiation from Le Jacques-Cartier to assess the vessel's acoustic signature.

ECHO/AQUO

In 2017, the cruise line reduced the speed of its vessels in a feeding area for whales to reduce underwater noise – part of the Port of Vancouver’s ECHO program. It went on to extend the measures, limiting the average speed of its fleet to 10 knots.

Ponant has also contributed to the European collaborative research project AQUO, which studies the modelling of underwater noise and highlights the impact of sound radiation linked to maritime transport on wildlife. 

It has published recommendations for optimising the construction of future ships based on the collaboration and carries on the work with PIAQUO – an implementation project using the AQUO tools and approach.