Havila Voyages Leads the Way in Quiet Oceans Initiative through LOWNOISER Project

Havila Voyages is making waves in maritime sustainability by becoming a vital partner in the newly launched LOWNOISER project, aimed at significantly reducing underwater noise pollution caused by shipping activities. This initiative is a pressing response to the growing concern about the impact of marine noise on ocean ecosystems.

The prestigious LOWNOISER project, which focuses on quieter maritime operations, is coordinated by Maritime CleanTech with crucial backing from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research initiative. Havila Voyages has committed one of its cutting-edge hybrid vessels, the Havila Capella, to serve as a test platform along Norway’s breathtaking yet ecologically delicate coastline, which stretches from Bergen to Kirkenes.

Underwater noise is an often-overlooked aspect of marine pollution that can have severe repercussions for marine life. Unlike visible pollutants, underwater noise affects species, such as whales and dolphins, that communicate and navigate using sound. Even fish and invertebrates may face stress and altered behaviors due to constant low-frequency noise emissions from passing ships. The LOWNOISER project’s aim is to assess, analyze, and minimize these acoustic disturbances.

In this groundbreaking study, Havila Capella will still operate in its regular commercial schedule while being outfitted with advanced hydrophones and vibration sensors designed to capture real-time underwater sound data. This simultaneously maintains its operational duties while contributing to valuable research.”

The data generated will help delineate noise levels produced under varying operational scenarios, such as switching between LNG-powered operations and fully battery-powered sailing. Researchers hope to discover insights that will lead to reducing the acoustic footprint of maritime transport.

A baseline study conducted in March 2026 has already measured the underwater sound profile of Havila Capella during normal operations. The project’s next phase will involve technical innovations intended to diminish operational noise even further.

Kongsberg Maritime, one of the project’s key technology partners, is spearheading the development of propulsion systems aimed at minimizing mechanical vibration, a significant contributor to underwater sound. This includes the redesign of bevel gear systems, which reduce friction and enable smoother power transmission, further decreasing overall acoustic emissions from the vessel.

The effectiveness of these enhancements will be monitored through careful before-and-after comparisons, allowing researchers to evaluate the efficacy of these innovations in a real-world context rather than relying solely on laboratory simulations.

The distinct characteristics of Norway’s coastal route contribute significantly to the project’s design. Unlike open-ocean shipping routes, this stretch passes through rich biological enclaves, fjords, and narrow straits, making marine life particularly susceptible to noise pollution. The varying sea conditions and navigation challenges provide a natural laboratory for assessing the effects of ship-generated noise on marine ecosystems.

The involvement of Havila Voyages illustrates a fundamental shift in the maritime industry, where sustainability initiatives are evolving to address not only emissions but also the effects of underwater noise pollution. While innovations have typically focused on cleaner propulsion systems and fuel alternatives, the LOWNOISER initiative signifies a new frontier in understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy acoustic environment beneath the waves.

As regulations begin to recognize underwater noise as a critical environmental concern, the scientific findings from projects like LOWNOISER will serve as essential documentation to inform future standards for the maritime sector. Already existing guidelines on a global scale highlight the urgency of addressing this issue. By actively participating in research efforts, Havila Voyages champions the role of hybrid vessels in environmental stewardship.

The Havila Capella, designed with both LNG-electric propulsion and substantial onboard battery systems, allows for periods of operation that are both low-emission and low-noise. This feature makes the vessel uniquely positioned to test advanced technologies aimed at noise reduction.

In particular, using battery power minimizes engine operation, dramatically decreasing mechanical vibrations and engine noise—two primary culprits contributing to underwater acoustic disturbances.

Ultimately, the LOWNOISER project’s findings hold the potential to usher in new design paradigms, influencing not just cruise line operations but also cargo ships and ferries globally. As maritime traffic continues to expand, addressing underwater noise pollution will become increasingly imperative for sustainable shipping practices.

By providing a live vessel for these crucial tests, Havila Voyages is bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and practical maritime applications, moving us closer to a future where quieter ship technologies can be a reality on the high seas.

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