From Baseline Survey to Management Plan: A Systematic Framework for Port-Specific Mitigation of Underwater Radiated Noise

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 22 30
    By

    Amit Kumar Singh,

  • G.V.V Pavan Kumar,

  • P. Sirisha,

  • D.S.P Vidyasagar,

  1. Faculty, School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering Indian Maritime University Visakhapatnam Campus Visakhapatnam, Andrapradesh, India

Abstract

The growing recognition of underwater radiated noise (URN) as a significant marine pollutant necessitates the development of actionable management frameworks at the port level, where noise sources are concentrated, and impacts can be particularly acute. While international guidelines exist, a standardized methodology for ports to transition from assessment to implementation is lacking, particularly in regions with high biodiversity and developing maritime infrastructure. This paper presents and demonstrates a systematic, four-phase framework for developing and implementing a Port-Specific Underwater Noise Management Plan (PS-UNMP). The framework was ap- plied in a pilot study at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) in India. Phase I involved comprehensive stakeholder mapping and high-risk activity identification. Phase II established a quan- titative acoustic baseline through a strategic hydrophone survey, identifying tugboat operations (peaking at 155 dB re 1 µPa) and construction activities as primary contributors. Phase III focused on data-driven mitigation, revealing that speed reduction from 8 to 3 knots for pilot launches yielded a ∼20 dB reduction in URN—a key operational insight. Phase IV integrated these findings into a scalable management plan featuring speed zones, a Noise Monitoring Program (NMP), and stakeholder incentive structures. The study validates the framework as a practical tool for ports to operationalize global guidelines like those from the IMO, bridging the gap between policy and local, effective action for sustainable marine ecosystem management.

Keywords: Index Terms, Underwater Noise Management Plan (UNMP), Port Acoustics, Environmental Management Framework, Stakeholder Engagement, Operational Mitigation, IMO Guidelines, Visakhapatnam Port.

[This article belongs to Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Amit Kumar Singh, G.V.V Pavan Kumar, P. Sirisha, D.S.P Vidyasagar. From Baseline Survey to Management Plan: A Systematic Framework for Port-Specific Mitigation of Underwater Radiated Noise. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2026; 13(01):22-30.
How to cite this URL:
Amit Kumar Singh, G.V.V Pavan Kumar, P. Sirisha, D.S.P Vidyasagar. From Baseline Survey to Management Plan: A Systematic Framework for Port-Specific Mitigation of Underwater Radiated Noise. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2026; 13(01):22-30. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joost/article=2026/view=241664


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 09/02/2026
Accepted 28/02/2026
Published 12/03/2026
Publication Time 31 Days
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