Looking Beyond the Surface This World Ocean Day

World Ocean Day reminds us of the critical role our oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. Covering more than 70% of the planet, the ocean regulates our climate, supports global trade, provides food security, and sustains an extraordinary diversity of marine life. Yet many of the challenges facing our oceans remain hidden beneath the surface.

One such challenge is underwater radiated noise (URN) generated by ships. While maritime transport is essential to global commerce and economic development, underwater noise can affect marine species that depend on sound for communication, navigation, feeding, and reproduction. As shipping activity continues to grow worldwide, addressing its environmental impact has become an important focus for the maritime industry.

At Sandock Austral Shipyards, we recognize the importance of protecting marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable maritime development. Through our participation in the South African Maritime Safety Authority's (SAMSA) Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) Ship Building Committee, established under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) GloNoise Partnership Project, we are contributing to industry efforts aimed at understanding and reducing the impact of shipping noise on marine life.

Our representative, Chris Turnaball, serves as a permanent member of the committee, working alongside industry stakeholders to advance research, collaboration, and practical solutions that support quieter and more environmentally responsible vessel design and construction.

This year's World Ocean Day theme, "Reimagine: Beyond the World We Know, A New Relationship with Our Ocean," encourages us to think differently about how we interact with the marine environment. It highlights the need for innovation, collaboration, and responsible stewardship to ensure that economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand.

Protecting our oceans requires collective action from governments, businesses, researchers, and communities. By embracing sustainable practices and investing in solutions that reduce our environmental footprint, we can help preserve the health of our oceans for generations to come.

As we celebrate World Ocean Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to a healthier marine environment and a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.

Protecting our oceans. Preserving our future together.