Ports located near residential areas pose a significant burden on residents, particularly due to noise, dust, and emissions. The ongoing urban densification and the development of new residential areas in Rostock are leading to an increasing proximity to the port area, thereby exacerbating the noise problem. Against this background, the completed IHATEC project “LA-RoRo” developed and examined a combined concept of passive and active noise control measures to reduce noise emissions from the RoRo process and technical port facilities.

The investigations showed that active systems are particularly effective for stationary, tonal noise sources in the frequency range up to 1000 Hz, while passive measures perform better for broadband and non-stationary noise. As part of the project, Active Noise Control (ANC) strategies were successfully evaluated and tested under laboratory conditions. Acoustic field measurements identified three dominant noise sources in the RoRo process: the impact of the loading ramp on the quay floor during vehicle crossings, the noise generated by the tractors during loading and unloading, and the stationary tonal emissions from technical ship operating systems.

The goal of the new initiative is the technological advancement of an ANC “standalone system” to reduce low-frequency, tonal noise sources in the Port of Rostock. Building on the positive results of the LA-RoRo project, a practical, robust ANC system is to be developed, tested, and demonstrated under realistic conditions. Such a system could be used not only in ports but also in other areas with similar noise sources, such as compressors, transformers, or exhaust chimneys.

Key target indicators include the development of a flexible and cost-effective ANC demonstrator, operation within the industrial temperature range of -40 to 85°C, and proof of significant noise reduction of at least 10 dB. The system will consist of a main controller and six actuators, which will minimize noise levels in the port area through destructive interference. Initial simulations and laboratory tests show promising results, achieving noise reductions of up to 30 dB.

The project comprises several work packages, including acoustic investigations, hardware and software development, algorithm optimization, and long-term field testing under real operating conditions. The successful implementation of an ANC system in the Port of Rostock could serve as a model for other ports and contribute to long-term noise reduction in urban port areas.