SMMI experts attend event to celebrate achievements of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC)
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Over 300 delegates from the maritime industry met at the Portsmouth International Port on Tuesday 24th May to celebrate the success of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), delivered by Innovate UK. The £23m competition from the Department for Transport has so far funded 55 companies to design and develop innovative technologies to support the transition towards a cleaner maritime future with projects being completed in just seven months.
SMMI experts attended the showcase event where they engaged with policymakers and innovators from business and academia to share their ambition to bring together skills and expertise to help inform the road towards the decarbonisation of the shipping sector value chain. As part of the event and delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Aviation, Maritime & Security, Robert Courts MP announced an ambitious package of initiatives being launched as part of UKSHORE, which included a new round of the CMDC aimed at supporting cross-sector collaborations to accelerate the development of green technology to decarbonise shipping.
The event, organised by Innovate UK KTN, saw 43 exhibitors showcase their innovations which included representation from the University of Southampton who in partnership with maritime organisations, were successful on three projects. The University’s work on the projects involved field trials, detailed energy systems modelling, computational fluid dynamics, towing tank testing, and the use of the ISVR’s six-degrees-of-freedom facility to test motion effects on fuel cells. Read more here.
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CMMI delegation visits SMMI
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SMMI hosted a delegation from Cyprus and Ireland this month to catalyse collaboration linked to our EU MaRITeC-X project to establish the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI) – SMMI’s newborn sister organisation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The visit involved SMMI colleagues across all four campuses. The guests descended to the floor of the Black Sea in the Digital Humanities Lab, examined new SMMI-supported subsea robots at their new Highfield Campus base, witnessed high speed hull testing in the towing tank at Boldrewood and attended the launch of an exhibition of art linked to coral bleaching after touring the NOCS campus.
In the middle of this busy programme, SMMI hosted a networking lunch in the National Infrastructure Laboratory, which was attended by more than 30 colleagues who have research interests aligned with the CMMI priorities. This visit is part of the growing links between CMMI, SMMI and the Marine Institute, Ireland, which have also been boosted by the recent appointment of two SMMI-CMMI research fellows.
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Autonomous Underwater Vehicle SMARTY200
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The University of Southampton (UoS) has acquired the ‘SMARTY200’ Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to develop intelligent subsea mapping capabilities as part of a EPSRC core equipment grant. Researchers from the UoS IRIS Centre of Excellence (CoE) , SMMI and IROE are working together with industry partners at IQUA robotics, Sonardyne and Voyis to implement novel camera-mapping, underwater positioning, and machine learning capabilities on the AUV. The platform is the focus of knowledge transfer partnerships, funded by SMMI HEIF and the Southampton Geospatial initiative, to commercialise UoS data processing methods and apply the SMARTY200 to conservation in Studland Bay.
Seagrass monitoring surveys are planned to take place in July 2022, with UoS researchers from across Engineering, Geography and Ocean and Earth Science working together with the Studland Bay Marine Partnership including the National Trust and Dorset Coast Forum. The partnership involves local conservation organisations, boat users and local community groups, who are working together to protect the seagrass by installing ‘eco-moorings’ within the bay. These mooring are designed to reduce boat anchor damage and so allow the seagrass and local biodiversity to thrive, while maintaining the vibrant sailing and recreational activities within the bay. Currently there are 10 eco-moorings installed with future plans to extend this to 100. Surveys with SMARTY200 aim to map the extent and distribution of seagrass in the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone. This will allow scientists to build a more comprehensive understanding of seagrass health around the eco-moorings and monitor seagrass recovery from past anchor damage.
The team hopes this will be just the start of a sustained series of projects leveraging the unique capabilities SMARTY200 and other IRIS robotic platforms have to offer. Professor Blair Thornton, IRIS CoE co-director and SMMI expert says: ‘Robotics and AI technologies are key enablers to help scientists build big picture understanding of natural and built environments. We are interested in addressing real-world challenges in conservation and infrastructure inspection. Our team is currently working closely with local communities and those much further afield to understand their challenges, and figure out the best way to contribute to conservation and monitoring by using and adapting our technology’.
More information about SMARTY200 can be found on the IRIS and ocean perception websites. Read more about the Studland Bay monitoring initiative at the BBC and news articles here and here.
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Turning the tide on hydro power
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Credit: Luke Myers
In the emerging field of marine renewables, tidal stream technologies need to be rigorously tested before being deployed in the open seas. The industry has settled on a design that resembles structures found on onshore wind farms and testing their efficiency is SMMI expert Luke Myers, Associate Professor of Marine Energy and Micro-renewables at the University of Southampton.
Featuring in a podcast entitled "Turning the Tide on Hydro Power" by "The Naked Scientists", Luke discusses some of his recent research conducted at Southampton involving blade winglets and how these are tested in the Boldrewood towing tank facility. You can listen to the podcast here.
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Did you know the University of Southampton has been teaching Ship Science for over 50 years?
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Dr Joseph Banks and others tell how they discovered Ship Science at Southampton, their experiences, and being part of the maritime industry, in the video below. You can also explore and read more about the Ship Science and Maritime Engineering courses here.
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Want to experience being a submariner?
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Researchers from the University of Southampton are investigating the impact of future interfaces for submarine control room operations on individual and team performance. The aim of the project is to make recommendations to stakeholders about the design of submarine control rooms, ranging from contemporary optimisation to future designs.
If you would like to take part in this research study, you will be asked to perform simple, computer-based tasks associated with the operator role that you are assigned. The experiment will take place over two days, including training, scenarios, and breaks and will run between 13/6/2022 to 31/8/2022. If you are interested in this unique opportunity and would like to find out more, please contact Sophie Hallam here.
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International sailing success for Southampton Ship Science student
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Southampton Ship Science student Hattie Rogers recently represented Great Britain claiming victory in the SailGP Inspire WASZP Grand Final sailing championships in San Francisco, an international circuit akin to F1. Hattie, a fourth-year student, beat off stiff competition to become the first ever SailGP Inspire WASZP Female Champion and Fastest Female F50 Helm. The 21-year-old, from Lymington, was among youth sailors from around the globe that were selected to compete in their national SailGP Inspire event, with the winners from each nation going on to compete in the Grand Final. Read more here.
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The beach invader - keeping seaweed in check
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For the past decade, a prolific beach invader has wreaked seasonal havoc on idyllic beaches in the tropical Atlantic. A Southampton research team is working to understand this threat. From the eastern coast of Mexico to the west coast of Africa – and everywhere in between – a potent-smelling seaweed known as ‘sargassum’ is devastating not only beaches, but livelihoods too. Moreover, climate change appears to be making it worse. Since 2011, it has made its presence so prevalent that it has had researchers around the world grappling to understand where it comes from and what to do with the thousands of tons that wash up on shores every year. Project lead and SMMI member, Emma Tompkins, Professor of Geography, Environment and Development, is part of a team at Southampton focusing on those questions. Emma is working with Robert Marsh, Professor in Oceanography and Climate, Dr Yue Zhang, Lecturer in Environmental Engineering, and researcher Dr Susan Hanson to understand more about sargassum and finding out both climate and oceanic drivers are behind it. Read more here.
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Open Government Consultation from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairson the principles of marine net gain - DEADLINE 30 AUGUST 2022
The consultation sets out the Government’s approach to sustainable development offshore. It also has direct relevance for marine biodiversity and habitats, including seagrass.
If you would like support and guidance on how to submit a response please contact Wassim Dbouk here who will be very happy to advise. Read the full consultation here.
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NOTE: CALLS COMING SOON AND WITH NO DEADLINE, TOWARDS THE END OF THIS SECTION.
UK Carbon Capture Storage Research Centre Flexible Fund Opens for 2022 - DEADLINE: 12 JULY 2022
The UK Carbon Capture Storage Research Centre (UKCCSRC) is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Energy Theme. UKCCSRC operates a flexible fund to support CCS research projects that contribute to the UK Government's net-zero objectives. Read more here.
Clean Maritime Demonstration - IUK Announces Round 2 Competitions - DEADLINE: 13 JULY 2022
The Department for Transport will work with Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, to invest £12 million in innovative feasibility studies and pre-deployment projects. This competition is part of a suite of interventions to be launched by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE). UK SHORE aims to transform the UK into a global leader in the design and manufacturing of clean maritime technology.
Strand 1 of the competition is funding detailed feasibility studies and plans for innovative technology demonstrations of scalable clean maritime solutions. Projects must undertake a technical and economic feasibility study associated with the development and real world demonstration of one or more specific themes. Strand 2 of the competition is funding agile technology demonstrations and pre-deployment testing of clean maritime technologies. Projects must design, develop and test novel clean maritime technologies focused for on-vessel technologies or shoreside infrastructure including at ports and harbours. Read more here.
NO DEADLINE CALLS:
Innovate UK - Fisheries and Seafood Scheme - NO DEADLINE
This supports projects based in England that secure sustainable growth across the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors and that protect and enhance the marine environment. Further details here.
EPSRC Postdoctoral Fellowship - NO DEADLINE
Apply for a fellowship focusing on either: Energy or Mathematical Sciences. You must have either a PhD or at least four years’ experience in a relevant field by the start of your fellowship. An eligible UK research organisation must host and support you during your fellowship. Your fellowship can be up to three years long. This is prorated for part-time fellows, at a minimum of 50% FTE. The project can use one or a combination of discovery science, innovation, instrumentation and technique development or software engineering. Further details here.
NERC - International ocean discovery programme – workshop funding support scheme - NO DEADLINE
This supports UK scientists in the organisation of, or participation in, IODP-related workshops, sandpits, training, outreach or other events. Eligible workshops must make use of IODP samples, data or results, or involve planning for the collection of such materials. Further details here.
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2 September and 16 September 2022 - Offshore Energy Technology 4.0 - Virtual
Offshore Energy Technology 4.0 focuses on enhancing the innovation and development of technologies and processes used for the design, engineering, construction, operational support, and full end-end lifecycle management of the assets, structures, and equipment used within the offshore energy industry; ensuring they have efficient design & build processes, effective operational procedure, sustainable full lifespans, and can perform their duties. Read more here.
6-9 September 2022 - SMM - Driving the maritime transition - Hamburg
SMM serves as the ultimate platform for showcasing the latest technological developments in all maritime industry key areas and invites you to benefit from its global network. Establish new contacts on the exhibition floor. Meet thought-leaders at the high-profile conferences. Discover start-ups. Read more here.
1-15 September 2022 - 20th International Conference on Computer Applications in Shipbuilding (ICCAS) - Yokohama, Japan
Continuing the noteworthy success of previous conferences, ICCAS offers unequalled opportunity for international delegates from the global shipbuilding and marine industry to see practical application of computing technologies across all aspects of design, production, and in-service operation of ships and marine structures. Read more here.
16-25 September 2022 - Southampton International Boat Show 2022 - Southampton
Britain’s biggest and best festival of boating, showcases a plethora of beautifully designed boats and products from hundreds of global marine brands. From kayaks to catamarans, SUPS to superyachts, there’s a boat for everyone. Read more here.
26-30 September 2022 - Sea Tech Week® 2022: Maritime transport - Brest, France
Sea Tech Week® is a week-long international event focusing on marine science and technology. It brings together every two years more than 1,000 leading international experts in various marine-related disciplines to the city of Brest, France. Sea Tech Week® includes a scientific and technology conference, a professional exhibition, B2B meetings and social events. Registration for the event is likely to be in March. Read more and check the link here.
29 November - 1 December 2022 - Scaling Decarbonisation Solutions - Reducing Emissions by 2030 - Rotterdam, Netherlands
The social demand for an environmentally conscious transition of sea trade is encouraging ship owners and regulators to take on this challenge with technical and operational solutions to meet the environmental goals. To further investigate The Royal Institution of Naval Architects and Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) have partnered to offer a conference that will provide a platform to discuss the scalability of current technologies and policies that will transform the shipping industry. Submit your abstract by 4 July 2022. Read more here.
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