Page 17: of Marine News Magazine (July 2016)

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adoption of the Code in Resolu- tion MSC.337(91) on 30 November 2012. Vessels with keels laid after

January 1, 2015 must comply. The in- tention is to provide safer and healthy work places for crew. Speci? cally the code was developed to assist in clear communication and the recognizing of alarms while protecting seafarers hearing. Noise on board vessels, as well as ambient noise when in port, can have a signi? cant impact on the quality of rest for seafarers. Whether seafarers get enough rest, speci? cally “sound” sleep is essential to avoiding fatigue related issues and ensuring a safe working environment. A Hybrid propulsion solution obviously exceeds the requirements. This was one reason the “Spirit of the Sound” was designed hybrid as the vessel’s Op Tempo in- cluded teaching sessions on deck and within the accommodations. Other engine manufacturers are also looking to increase their insulation capability and encapsulating their prime mov- ers. The noise issue goes well beyond

SOLAS requirements. Many re? neries are being forced to limit their operat- ing periods at night due to noise pol- lution complaints from surrounding neighbors. We have recently delivered three Medium Range Product tank- ers and six chemical tankers using a

Mar? ex electric deepwell cargo pump system to reduce the noise during cargo operations. Our sister company,

Southern Electric Pumping Systems, currently represents the Mar? ex Vari- able Frequency Drive pumps in the

United States. Several noise reduction surveys have been completed on deck, in the crew’s quarters and underwater by Marlfex with very positive results.

There are discussions taking place to limit underwater noise from operat- ing systems and propeller cavitation to protect sea life and right whales.

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