Noise reduction - measures for people and the environment

Within the framework of the respective noise emission control ordinances, we comply with the limit set by local and national government.

We have drawn up noise maps and calculations for our production facilities, which are regularly updated by external consultants. In recent years, we have developed and implemented measures and practises to limit noise emission. Likewise, we are in continuous dialogue with our local community to discuss how we can improve.

One of the measures is to limit the number of blasts to a minimum and their timing is sent to neighbours via text message.

On our ships, we have implemented various technical updates to minimise noise from running machinery as well as material flow. The vessels meet the very high requirements in Norwegian ports. In addition, the very high discharge capacity of our ships (up to 6,000 t/h compared to around 500-600 t with a conventional harbor crane) reduces the duration of noise emissions to just a few hours per ship call.

Noise barriers have been erected at various port terminals so that the impact to local communities is reduced as far as possible. Shipping is a 24/7 industry and regretfully the vessels need to unload at night, both to lighten for the tide but also to free up dock space for other users.

Our goal: maximum dust reduction

Within the framework of the emission control for the protection of our local communities, we make sure that the amount of airborne dust does not exceed permitted limits.

Airborne dust is continuously monitored, and we regularly look at the date available of and implement various measures such as

• In the production plants, use of water nozzles to dampen the products through the production line and have rain guns and bowsers to keep dampen stockpiles and roads.
• We wet the blast face before and after blasting to reduce the escape of dust.
• We wet roads and other traffic areas to bind the dust on the roadway.
• All external conveyor-belts and production buildings will be completely covered by 2030.

To reduce dust emissions on our vessel fleet measures are in place such as reducing the discharge height (lowering of the flexible discharge booms), the use of sprinkler systems on the conveyor belts and, if necessary, by installing additional discharge funnels.

The trucks transporting the rock material from the terminals to the customers are covered with sheeting in line with national regulations.