‘Next Generation Marine Power & Propulsion’ is a fast moving networking event that focuses on viable solutions for vessels of all sizes. Over 20 expert speakers will highlight a range of unique opportunities.
The program covers three phases; ‘Here and Now Technology’ - considers how the UK and global marine industry can utilize the latest engineering. ‘Next Generation Systems’ - are within a few years of commercial release. ‘Innovation and Future Possibilities’ - are pushing the boundaries far and wide.
The event is being held at the Grand Harbour, Southampton from 26 to 28 April 2016. Attendees at the two day Conference and one day Workshop include commercial and military end-user organizations, boat builders, engine manufacturers, mechanical & electrical engineers, naval architects and legislators.
The unique style of this event brings together an international group of experts armed with the latest knowledge to highlight the potential use of innovative power and propulsion systems. The objective is to identify a range of genuine solutions for workboats, pilot boats, wind farm support vessels, survey vessels, scientific research craft, fishing vessels, superyachts, patrol craft, military and unmanned craft.
Alan Priddy is a world leader in offshore expeditions who has powerboated and sailed around the world in both directions. He holds 37 records and knows what type of craft is required to break the World Powerboat Circumnavigation Record of 61 days. His presentation captures that spirit, ‘They said it could never be done - the scientific and engineering approach to the manufacture and use of emulsified fuels.’
Captain Don Cockrill, Secretary General of the UK Maritime Pilots Association, looks at ‘Powering the modern port - ships, tugs and the hidden fleet of support vessels.’ Johnny Lindstrom, Chairman of the National Marine Electronics Association, is flying in from the US with technical support globally for the fast emerging technologies, ‘Integrating vessel management systems using the NMEA 2000 protocol’.
Conference organizer, John Haynes, said, ‘Most people in the marine industry are time poor and know that their job list grows when they are out of the office, plus a lot of information can now be gathered from the internet. We have to innovate and use people’s time effectively.’ Next Generation events are dynamic and relevant, with focus on long breaks to encourage networking. John Haynes added, ‘We know that having the right people onboard is essential and there is no substitute for meeting the experts face to face.’
BAE Systems HybriDrive, XALT Energy and Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute (SMMI) are lead supporters of the event. Day two of the conference ends with a guided tour of the SMMI facility, located alongside Lloyd's Register, at the new £140m Boldrewood Innovation Campus at Southampton University. SMMI is a unique centre of excellence, bringing together a research, innovation and education community.
The workshop day looks at ‘new marine energy’. Fast moving sessions focus on informal discussion and industry experience from subject matter experts including Lloyds Register and DNV-GL. A relevant topic is high energy battery installations, including Lithium-ion. The ‘hybrid’ sessions focus on simple and viable business cases for next generation vessels of all sizes. This is not just green energy for the sake of it as presenters highlight how fuel can be saved, maintenance costs reduced and engine life extended.
Boat builders, engine OEMs and specialist component manufacturers now recognise that they need to work together to develop next generation systems that fit the changing requirements of modern fleets. The unique knowledge gained from presentations and networking sessions will help to shape long term decisions that lead to improvements for in-service systems and procurement of next generation vessels.
