IMO shows the way for the shipping sector to reduce underwater radiated noise

Shipping traffic is increasing in the Arctic, and underwater noise is expected to quadruple in the region by 2030. As Arctic whales are particularly sensitive to the impacts of shipping and underwater noise, we need to act now to reduce the impacts on marine wildlife.

This is why WWF Global Arctic Programme attended the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Constructions (SDC 12) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held on January 19-23, 2026, in London: to share with states and the shipping community important data relevant to protecting the Arctic whales from the adverse effect of shipping.

Shipping and underwater noise: a growing problem in the Arctic

The levels of underwater noise have been rising. According to a report by the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Working Group of the Arctic Council, due to the increasing shipping traffic underwater radiated noise levels in the Arctic region are predicted to be 5 dB higher in 2030 compared to 2019. To put this into perspective: an increase of 3 dB doubles the sound pressure. This means that by 2030, the sound pressure in the Arctic could be nearly four times higher. Such an increase is a serious risk for Arctic whales — beluga, narwhal, and bowhead whales — who are particularly sensitive to the impacts of shipping and underwater noise. Narwhals and beluga whales show extreme sensitivity to ship noise from long distances. Bowhead whales, on the other hand, are at high risk of being struck by ships, causing severe injuries or death.

A new tool: first map combining ship traffic information with migratory routes of Arctic whales

There are several measures for reducing underwater noise. By improving vessel design, shipping companies can reduce noise at the source. Another important tool is voyage planning, in which ship routes are planned to avoid critical habitats and whale migration routes, or to slow down when passing through these areas. For this to work, however, mariners need to have access to relevant marine biodiversity information. For example, data on areas where shipping routes overlap with critical whale habitats and migration corridors.

To demonstrate the need for systematically including this information in shipping operational measures, WWF submitted an information paper to SDC 12 titled The Spatio-temporal information on Arctic whale migration routes for consideration in voyage planning and other measures to reduce the impacts of underwater radiated noise on marine life.”

Among specific steps for mariners to consider when planning voyages in Arctic waters, WWF’s submission provided, for the first time, seasonal migratory maps of Arctic whales. In addition, the submission overlaid ship traffic information with whale migratory corridors. The paper also identified narrow passages in the Arctic Ocean, known as migration bottlenecks, that are used by both ships and whales, posing a heightened risk of collisions and exposure of whales to underwater radiated noise. Two examples of such bottlenecks are the Bering Strait (Russia/USA) and Hudson Bay (Canada). Overall, the migratory maps provide mariners with new information on where they need to take area-based measures such as rerouting, when possible, and/or speed reduction, or a combination of both, to reduce impacts on migrating whales.

The results of this paper were presented to IMO delegates by Melanie Lancaster, Senior Specialist on Species, WWF Global Arctic Programme.