Underwater noise from shipping in Arctic waters is expected to almost quadruple by 2030, putting pressure on IMO member states to accelerate technical and regulatory measures as the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction opens its 12th session, according to the Clean Arctic Alliance.
The alliance of 24 not-for-profit organisations is urging delegates at SDC 12 to prioritise technical work that directly enables policy action on underwater radiated noise, warning that delays risk leaving ship operators without clear guidance as traffic intensifies in sensitive regions.
Shipping noise, largely generated by propellers and engines, interferes with navigation, feeding and communication for marine species that rely on sound, with marine mammals particularly exposed.
The Arctic, historically characterised by minimal human-sourced noise, is seeing a steady rise in acoustic pressure as vessel activity expands.
One submission before SDC 12 introduces new maps identifying migratory corridors of Arctic whales across the Arctic Ocean. These corridors are recognised in IMO instruments as areas of special concern due to high concentrations of noise-sensitive species.
The material is intended to inform voyage planning during peak migration seasons in spring and autumn, supporting operational measures such as speed reduction and rerouting alongside technical ship modifications.
A separate paper examines potential underwater noise impacts linked to LNG tanker traffic associated with proposed LNG developments in the Gulf of California.
The analysis considers effects on resident and migratory whales, as well as related air quality and greenhouse gas impacts. The expected rise in tanker movements would introduce heavy traffic into ecologically sensitive waters, increasing risks from continuous underwater noise.
The organisations argue that the Arctic and the Gulf of California face parallel challenges: both regions historically experienced low shipping density, and both are now exposed to sharp increases that could cause irreversible harm to marine habitats.
Without precautionary limits on traffic and stronger ship design requirements, underwater noise is expected to alter these ecosystems permanently.
The International Maritime Organization is a United Nations specialised agency responsible for global standards on ship safety, environmental protection and technical regulation of international shipping.
The Clean Arctic Alliance is a coalition of environmental non-profit organisations working to protect Arctic ecosystems through engagement with international regulatory processes and governments.