Havila Voyages has joined the European LOWNOISER project as an associated partner, strengthening its commitment to environmentally responsible maritime operations.
The company will make its vessel MS Havila Capella available for full-scale testing along the Norwegian coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes. As part of the project, advanced sensors and hydrophones will be deployed to measure underwater radiated noise and vibrations generated during normal vessel operations.
“The future of maritime transport must be built on respect for the oceans we sail and the coastal communities we serve. By joining the LOWNOISER project and making our vessel Havila Capella available to full‑scale testing, we want to contribute to a shipping industry that is not only cleaner, but also quieter for marine life”, says Marianne Vågen Langeland, Chief Operating Officer at Havila Voyages.
“Underwater noise is an invisible footprint, yet it has real consequences for marine ecosystems. Operating year‑round along one of the world’s most spectacular and sensitive coastlines gives us both a unique opportunity and a clear responsibility to drive positive change. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation, we aim to contribute to a new standard for sustainable coastal shipping”, Vågen Langeland adds.
Testing new technology
The demonstrator will enable testing of noise-reduction technologies in the propulsion system developed by Kongsberg Maritime, including optimized bevel gear solutions. Measurements will be conducted both before and after installation.
Fixed hydrophone stations will provide reference data, allowing researchers and technology providers to quantify improvements under real operating conditions.
An initial measurement campaign was carried out in March 2026, assessing underwater noise during normal operations with both LNG generators and battery-only propulsion. The results provide valuable insights into how different operating modes influence underwater noise.
Important for marine life
While shipping has made significant progress in reducing emissions, underwater radiated noise remains an under-addressed environmental challenge. Many marine species depend on sound for essential life functions such as communication, navigation, feeding, and reproduction. Increased vessel noise can disrupt these processes, particularly in sensitive coastal waters.
By contributing a modern vessel for full-scale testing, Havila Voyages supports the development of practical solutions to reduce noise at source. The data collected will improve understanding of how operational conditions and propulsion systems affect underwater noise and support the development of effective mitigation measures.
These insights will also contribute to future environmental standards and regulatory frameworks for maritime transport.
European collaboration
The Maritime CleanTech-led LOWNOISER project brings together 15 partners from across industry and research. Funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, the project aims to develop and validate solutions to achieve quieter, more sustainable maritime transport.
“We are very pleased to welcome Havila Voyages to the project and appreciate their strong engagement in supporting the demonstration and measurement activities. Their contribution enables us to collect valuable data to understand underwater noise better and assess the effectiveness of mitigation technologies. This work will support the development of future environmental standards for maritime transport,” says Emilie Dorgeville, Project Coordinator of LOWNOISER at Maritime CleanTech.
The shared ambition is clear: future seas must be both cleaner and quieter. By addressing underwater noise alongside emissions, the project supports a more holistic approach to maritime sustainability.
The first measuring campaign with Havila Capella started this spring. Photos: Kongsberg Maritime.
