NOISE SOURCES EVALUATION OF A RO-PAX SHIP BY MEANS OF AN ACOUSTIC CAMERA: A CASE STUDY IN THE FRENCH CITY OF NICE

Harbours are fundamental for the activity of many cities worldwide, moving their economy by means of trade and tourism. Travelers visit the cities around the Mediterranean coast all year long, but particularly in the summer. Large and small coastal cities have sprung up around ports. The noise produced by the numerous ships and boats that arrive at the port, among other things, has an impact on the soundscape of the port and the area around it. The arrival and departure of a ferry in the French city of Nice were observed using an acoustic camera equipped with a microphone array intended for outdoor and environmental measurements. The experimental campaign was carried out in the framework of the Interreg Maritime Programme between Italy and France. The measurements show that the main noise sources of such ship during unloading operations are mostly related to the air ventilation system. Some impact noise was detected during the disembarkation of the cars, mainly in the ramps of the ship. Such analysis can lead to targeted interventions aimed to solve the specific noise problems of ships during docking operations in harbours.