Noise management

The close proximity of the port to residential areas makes noise pollution an issue of great importance for the Port of Oslo. Several measures for reducing noise pollution have been initiated, including:

• Development of a programme simulating noise effects
• Replacement of forklifts and reach-stackers with gantry cranes with rubber tyres
• Substitution of diesel engines with electric power
• Reduction of noise from warning bells
• Insulation of our machinery room
• Installation of rubber bricks on trailer trucks preventing sharp noise
• The terminal ground has been asphalted in order to level the surface.
• Establishment of a noise deflection wall

The results of our efforts on reducing noise pollution have been good. However, neighbours of the port are still subjected to noise levels above the legal threshold values for noise pollution. As the potential for further noise reductions of the port's operations is limited, other measures aiming at reducing neighbours' exposure to noise have been initiated, such as improved insulation and change of windows in private residents.

Noise Management in European Ports - NoMEPorts

Port of Oslo participates in the Noise Management in European Ports (NoMEPorts) project. The main objective of NoMEPorts is reduction of noise, noise-related annoyance and health problems of people living around port industrial areas through a noise mapping and management system. NoMEPorts has developed a good practice guide for the most efficient methods to create noise maps and actions plans for reducing noise annoyance in the (port) industrial area. The guide can be found here.