SAAM targets marine noise and biofouling risks in biodiversity plan

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SAAM has introduced a Biodiversity Plan aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its towage operations, with measures covering underwater noise, vessel emissions, biofouling and activities near protected marine areas.

The plan updates the company’s Environmental Policy by formally integrating ecosystem conservation into its operating model. It also establishes measurable actions for operations located close to environmentally sensitive areas.

Measures include obtaining underwater noise certification for SAAM’s electric tug fleet and conducting annual inspections within five nautical miles of protected areas.

The company will also evaluate specialised hull coatings designed to prevent marine species from attaching to vessels. Robotic technologies for hull cleaning are under consideration as another way to manage biofouling risks.

Training programmes will support implementation across operational teams.

“With this plan, we are translating our sustainability commitments into a roadmap with measurable actions that are implemented in our operations,” said Mayra Kohler, SAAM’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer.

The electric tug CDG, operating in Canada, recently received an Underwater Radiated Noise certification from Lloyd’s Register. The certification confirms compliance with standards intended to reduce underwater acoustic emissions and limit disturbances to marine mammals in coastal areas.

SAAM plans to pursue the same certification in Chile for its electric tug Trapananda.

The Biodiversity Plan expands existing initiatives across several countries. These include measures to reduce whale collisions and vessel disturbances, research into marine wildlife migration routes, mangrove planting, beach cleanups and the use of shore power to lower emissions while vessels are berthed.