In 2004, BKL was retained by Victoria Shipyards Co. Ltd. to consult on noise control for eight ORCA class training vessels for the Canadian Navy. The 33 metre vessels were powered by two 1,865 kW engines resulting in a top speed of over 20 knots.
Computer software was used along with BKL’s in-house database to predict shipboard noise levels during the initial design stage. Based on these initial predictions, additional noise control measures were investigated and implemented during construction. These included vibration isolation of engines and application of vibration damping treatment in selected areas.
An article on the first-delivered ORCA vessel was published in the March 2007 issue of Harbour & Shipping with the following comments related to the acoustical design: “The sea trials of the first vessel … showed that because of the careful use of insulation, normal conversations can be held on the bridge or in the expansive training room while the vessel is under full power – there’s no need to bark out orders on this beauty.”