Sustainable port solutions

A broad portfolio of sustainable port solutions. All are proven solutions covering the themes of port-waters, port-cities, port-hinterland and port-energy. The portfolio will continuously be updated and expanded on the basis of state-of-the-art insights.

2.

Ports and their city

2.3

Noise reduction

Sustainable principle:

reduce acoustic disturbance by human activities.

Potential benefits:

Area attractiveness, Public health, Reduced noise nuisance, Rich marine life, Rich terrestrial life

Description:

Port activities usually include a variety of sources of noise. Such noises can come from cargo handling, industrial processes or transport activities at or around port terminals. Construction work can contribute to this. Special consideration has to be given to underwater sounds. Particularly pile-driving for quay wall or auxiliary construction are heavy sources of underwater sound. Noise may not only reduce the quality of life, but may also be detrimental to health and may have ecological impacts. The control of sound is a vital component of the integration of port planning in relation to the local community. Generally the Environmental Impact Assessment for above and underwater sound requires contours, indicating noise levels, around the source of sound. Furthermore port zoning, regulatory restrictions, enforcement and technical solutions can all contribute to reduction of noise levels. For construction works it is advisable to slow-start certain activities (i.e. pile-driving) to give affected species time to escape the area.

Reference

PIANC report 150, 2014 – Sustainable ports

Relevant development goals:
  • index
  • 1.

    Ports and their waters

  • 2.

    Ports and their city

  • 3.

    Ports and their hinterland

  • 4.

    Ports and energy

2.3

Noise reduction

Sustainable principle:

reduce acoustic disturbance by human activities.

Potential benefits:

Area attractiveness, Public health, Reduced noise nuisance, Rich marine life, Rich terrestrial life

Description:

Port activities usually include a variety of sources of noise. Such noises can come from cargo handling, industrial processes or transport activities at or around port terminals. Construction work can contribute to this. Special consideration has to be given to underwater sounds. Particularly pile-driving for quay wall or auxiliary construction are heavy sources of underwater sound. Noise may not only reduce the quality of life, but may also be detrimental to health and may have ecological impacts. The control of sound is a vital component of the integration of port planning in relation to the local community. Generally the Environmental Impact Assessment for above and underwater sound requires contours, indicating noise levels, around the source of sound. Furthermore port zoning, regulatory restrictions, enforcement and technical solutions can all contribute to reduction of noise levels. For construction works it is advisable to slow-start certain activities (i.e. pile-driving) to give affected species time to escape the area.

Reference

PIANC report 150, 2014 – Sustainable ports

Relevant development goals:
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