Today, noise and vibration are vital factors for comfort at sea. Whilst there is plenty of noise in fitness areas, restaurants, bars, cinemas and discos, passengers also want to be able to relax in their cabins. Further problems of propeller- and machinery noise means sound protection and effective vibration control are essential. Analysis and prediction of noise sources are key areas addressed while designing and constructing all kinds of vessels. To achieve an economical but most effective reduction of noise and vibration, each source needs to be identified and addressed. The choice of low noise resilient mounted engines and low noise propellers are methods to reduce the structure-borne noise and vibration in cruise-ships. However, experience has shown, that in many areas of a ship sufficient improvements cannot be obtained only by reducing the noise generation at its source.

Such areas can be (amongst others):

• Passenger areas in the aft of a cruise ship with substantial noise from the propellers,

• Impact noise excitation to passenger cabins located just below open deck areas, galleys, discotheques etc.

• Airborne noise from machinery rooms, disco music, theatres etc.

Such problems are normally solved by careful design of cabins, lounges and passenger areas. In order to obtain the desired results, the acoustic properties of accommodation materials is a key factor. One of the most important elements for noise in cabins is noise radiation from floors. In order to meet the requirements of the market G. Theodor Freese GmbH & Co. KG (GTF) has carried out several research and development programs. The result of these programs provide the solutions for noise reduction required from cruise vessels through offshore platforms via commercial vessels to tugs.

Our range of products for noise reduction floors:  TEFROTEX ® VISCOELASTIC Density: 1.2 kg per m²/mm, constrained layer, high loss factor, high module of elasticity of top plate, low shear module TEFROLITH ® M Floating floor, A-60 construction  TEFROLITH ® FF-Steel Floating floor, A-60 construction  TEFROMENT ® S Floating floor, A-60 construction