VARD is a leading shipbuilding group operating a major production facility in Vung Tau, Vietnam, where industrial acoustics forms an important part of the site’s integration within its surrounding environment. Located in a mixed-use urban context, the shipyard involves a range of large-scale industrial activities, making acoustic performance an important consideration in maintaining a balanced relationship with neighbouring areas. The configuration of the workshops, including openings required for ventilation and vessel construction logistics, also plays a role in how sound is distributed across the site and its surroundings.
In the context of the updated Vietnamese environmental noise framework under QCVN 26:2025/BTNMT, VARD commissioned a comprehensive acoustic study to further strengthen its environmental management approach. As a responsible operator with strong consideration for both the environment and neighbouring communities, the client sought a clear understanding of site acoustic conditions and practical opportunities for long-term optimisation, based on field measurements, calibrated modelling and context-appropriate mitigation strategies.
We were appointed to carry out a complete environmental noise assessment, working alongside VARD’s team from field measurements through to mitigation strategy.
We measured noise across the shipyard during real production conditions, capturing both steady operational sound and the short-duration peaks associated with key fabrication activities. From those results, we developed 3D acoustic models to understand how sound propagated from the workshops to adjacent sensitive receptors and site boundaries, providing a robust basis for assessment and decision-making.
With that understanding in hand, we explored several mitigation paths: partial enclosure of the hull workshop facade, acoustic barriers, repositioned ventilation openings and targeted absorption to reduce reflections. Each option was modelled to demonstrate its potential effect at key assessment locations while remaining compatible with operational constraints. We also proposed sounds caping strategies, including water features and vegetated facades, to improve the perceived acoustic environment in zones where structural measures alone could not fully address the acoustic challenge.
Our work provided VARD with a precise and quantified understanding of site acoustic behaviour within the framework of the updated QCVN 26:2025/BTNMT requirements, together with a range of practical improvement options assessed for their effectiveness. Measures such as facade treatments, acoustic barriers and repositioned ventilation openings were shown to support enhanced acoustic performance at key assessment areas while remaining compatible with day-to-day shipyard operations. Complementary soundscaping strategies offered an additional contribution to the overall quality of the surrounding acoustic environment where structural measures alone were not the sole response.
Through this work, we delivered a clear roadmap grounded in data and field observation, supporting VARD’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and constructive coexistence with its surrounding context. The study provided the technical basis for planning phased enhancements aligned with operational priorities and long-term acoustic and environmental objectives.
