1. Project background and objectives

1.1 Controlling the acoustic signatures of ships

In order to meet the specifications of navies and the needs of shipowners, shipbuilding manufacturers have to control the acoustic signatures of their vessels. Controlling the noise generated in the environment is a major challenge:

• for passenger shipbuilders, being able to justify a comfort brand is a competitive differentiator and meets a growing demand from shipowners; vibro-acoustic criteria, defined in terms of permissible cabin noise levels for example, are becoming increasingly stringent in specifications; passenger areas are thus concerned for obvious comfort reasons, but also crew areas, due to changes in the regulatory context;

• for military shipbuilders, mastering...