Acoustic noise levels were measured in the Gulf of Catania (Ionian Sea) from July 2012 to May 2013 by a low frequency (<1000Hz) hydrophone, installed on board the NEMO-SN1 multidisciplinary observatory. NEMO-SN1 is a cabled node of EMSO-ERIC, which was deployed at a water depth of 2100m, 25km off Catania. The study area is characterized by the proximity of mid-size harbors and shipping lanes. Measured noise levels were correlated with the passage of ships tracked with a dedicated AIS antenna. Noise power was measured in the frequency range between 10Hz and 1000Hz. Experimental data were compared with the results of a fast numerical model based on AIS data to evaluate the contribution of shipping noise in six consecutive 1/3 octave frequency bands, including the 1/3 octave frequency bands centered at 63Hz and 125Hz, indicated by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC). •NEMO-SN1 is a cabled node of EMSO-ERIC, deployed at 2100m in Western Ionian Sea.•Acoustic noise (¡1kHz) was continuously measured from July 2012 to May 2013.•SPL was measured in 1/3 octave frequency bands.•An AIS-based simulation of ship noise data was run and compared with acoustic data.•Experimental values of SPL in the area are largely attributed to ship traffic.