Ship and Offshore acoustics
For maritime noise and vibration control
Ship and offshore acoustics deals with the control and reduction of noise and vibrations in maritime environments. The goal is to improve acoustic comfort and safety on board ships and offshore installations, and to protect the marine environment from noise pollution.
Ship acoustics
For over 60 years, Müller-BBM has been active in the field of ship acoustics.
Acoustic optimization on ships is essential for safety and comfort on board, as well as for protecting the environment above and below water. The acoustic situation on board is complex due to numerous noise sources and diverse propagation paths for sound and vibrations. In the limited space available, we plan and optimize noise control measures. Müller-BBM offers comprehensive consulting services for all types of ships. We conduct acoustic measurements throughout all project phases—from planning to final acceptance.
Our Expertise in Ship and offshore acoustics

Acoustic Planning, Ongoing Consulting, and Acoustic Management
Acoustics and vibration engineering should be integrated early in the concept phase and continuously reviewed throughout the planning process. This allows target values to be adjusted as needed and ensures the effectiveness of acoustic measures. We support you in acoustic planning right from the development of the overall system’s acoustic specification—for example, by defining target values. As part of our ongoing consulting services, we also offer the creation of guidelines and recommendations for low-noise designs, as well as the evaluation of sub-disciplines such as insulation, air conditioning, and ventilation concepts.
Your benefits:
- Early integration: Optimal noise control solutions through involvement in the concept phase
- Continuous monitoring: Ongoing acoustic evaluation throughout all project phases
- Tailored solutions: Development of customized, noise-optimized design solutions

Measurement-Based Quality Assurance
Qualified acoustic investigations are required for various objectives. The collection of airborne and structure-borne sound data, as well as fluid-borne noise, at the supplier’s site or on the ship’s hull serves as a basis for continuous quality control.
Müller-BBM performs qualified acoustic measurements for quality assurance—both at the supplier level and on the complete system. The measurement data are used for monitoring, forecasting, and evaluation in accordance with international standards such as ISO and MIL-STD, individual customer specifications, and classification society requirements.
Your benefits:
- Reliable quality assurance: Standard-compliant measurements for evaluating acoustic specifications
- Robust forecast data: Measurement values provide a solid foundation for acoustic simulations and assessments
- International standard compliance: Execution according to ISO and MIL standards—ideal for shipbuilding requirements

Accredited Acoustic Acceptance Measurements
Müller-BBM conducts accredited acoustic acceptance measurements throughout all project phases – from Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to Harbor Acceptance Testing (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Testing (SAT). Airborne noise, structure-borne noise, vibration, and underwater noise measurements are carried out in accordance with international standards and customer specifications. Müller-BBM is accredited for all relevant FAT/HAT/SAT procedures.
Your benefits:
- Certified testing quality: Accredited measurement procedures according to ISO*, MIL-STD*, and IMO* ensure the highest standards
- Comprehensive project support: Coverage of all project phases (FAT/HAT/SAT) for consistent quality assurance
- Expert acoustic diagnostics: Airborne noise, structure-borne noise, vibration, and underwater noise measurements from a single source

Special Investigations
For the acoustic analysis of complex noise and vibration challenges on ships, Müller-BBM uses powerful methods such as OTPA (Operational Transfer Path Analysis), modal analysis, and impedance measurements. With the PAK® software, acoustic and vibration data are recorded synchronously—supplemented by metadata such as GPS or propeller speed.
Your benefits:
- In-depth root cause analysis: Detailed characterization of acoustic systems and sound transmission paths
- High-precision measurement technology: Multi-channel, synchronous data acquisition with PAK® for reliable diagnostics
- Tailored system evaluation: Customized investigations under real operating conditions
Offshore acoustics
The construction and operation of offshore wind farms and platforms at sea result in increased noise emissions into the marine environment, which must be minimized as much as possible.
Another important aspect is occupational safety on offshore platforms.
We support you in the acoustic planning of offshore platforms and assist with the development and implementation of measurement concepts, data analysis, and modeling of sound propagation.
Our expertise in the field of offshore acoustics

Underwater sound
The increasing use of offshore installations requires effective noise protection both underwater and on platforms. Müller-BBM offers comprehensive services—from measurement and monitoring concepts to data analysis and sound propagation modeling—including proven measurement systems that are already in use, for example, in the North Sea.
Your benefits:
- Early assessment through sound propagation modeling: We provide forecasts of underwater noise propagation for offshore construction projects, such as pile-driving during the installation of offshore wind farms or noise generated during operational phases.
- Measurement and monitoring concepts: Support in the development and implementation of customized strategies
- Technical expertise: Data analysis of impulsive noise emissions and continuous noise

Offshore platforms
Offshore platforms have similar acoustic requirements to ships. Müller-BBM supports the acoustic planning of offshore platforms across all project phases—from the acoustic design of rooms and noise insulation to the development of mounting concepts and final acceptance measurements. As an accredited testing laboratory according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, we guarantee compliance with recognized quality standards.
Your benefits:
- Planning reliability: Qualified consulting and acceptance measurements, partly based on accredited procedures and international standards
- Efficient noise control: Optimized noise protection concepts and design of structure-borne sound insulation
- End-to-end support: Assistance from planning to final inspection—all from a single source
Special Topics and Advanced Areas
- Numerical Investigations: See Structural Dynamics and Numerical Analysis
- Testing Procedures and Test Benches: See Spring Test Bench
- Research and Development Projects: Müller-BBM Industry Solutions GmbH is a recognized partner in various national and international research projects related to airborne and underwater acoustics, thanks to its many years of experience and expertise. Through the handling of complex acoustic challenges and close collaboration with scientific institutions and project partners, we are always up to date with the latest technological developments.
Examples:- Methods for predicting and managing the underwater and above-water acoustic signature of vessels
- Application and adaptation of underwater noise prediction methods
- Investigations into integrating acoustic predictions into a general signature management system
- Products: See Acoustic Monitoring System (AMoS)
- Training Courses: Müller-BBM Industry Solutions GmbH offers a wide range of training courses on general acoustics and specialized topics. We also provide customized training sessions, workshops, or seminars tailored to your specific needs in the field of ship acoustics. These can take place either at your location or in the conference rooms of Müller-BBM Industry Solutions GmbH. The duration can range from one day to six weeks.
Memberships and committees
We are active in the following associations and committees:
- Founding member of the German Armed Forces Committee for Noise Reduction on Ships
- STG (German Society for Maritime Technology) Technical Committee “Vibrations and Noise”
- Member of the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM)
- DIN/ISO Working Groups:
- “Underwater noise measurement of ships (deep sea, shallow water)” – ISO 17208 series
- “Underwater noise measurement during pile-driving operations” – ISO 18406, DIN SPEC 45653
- “Ship vibrations” – ISO 6954, ISO 20283 series
- “Noise emission measurements on watercraft” – e. g., ISO 2922, ISO 2923

Any Questions?
Dr. Carsten Zerbs looks forward to your call at
+49 (40) 692145-18 or feel free to send us a message.
*Abbreviations
- MIL-STD: Military Standard, referring to a collection of technical norms.
- ISO: International Organization for Standardization, a globally active standardization body.
- IMO: International Maritime Organization. In the field of ship and offshore acoustics, it defines international standards for noise measurement, safety, and environmental compatibility at sea.