Email News October 2010
Welcome to the October 2010 edition of Marine South East email news
Welcome to the October 2010 edition of Marine South East's Email newsletter where you will find information, events and activities of interest to the marine sector in this region.
For more information or to submit articles please email mailto:sarah@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Posted 2010-09-07 16:57:24
Vattenfall inaugurates world’s largest offshore wind farm at Thanet in Kent
Vattenfall officially opened the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, off England’s south east coast at the end of last month. The wind farm has 100 turbines and will generate electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of over 200,000 British households.
Thanet is so far the company’s largest offshore wind farm and a significant investment in renewable energy generation. The electricity generated from the English Channel winds will constitute a significant increase of green energy in the UK and a considerable contribution to Vattenfall’s efforts to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its electricity generation.
Marine South East attended the opening ceremony which was held on the Pride of Burgundy with more than 200 guests in attendance including VIPs from DECC, Vestas and Vattenfall.
Some useful conversations took place which could lead to further involvement by Marine South East in this growth industry and it was particularly heartening to learn that the Marine South East initiative with Thanet College and Jobcentre plus to develop a series of short courses to ensure that local people were qualified to apply for jobs on offshore wind installations had been successful.
We will be publishing an article about this new programme shortly.
For more information about the Vattenfall launch please follow the link:
http://www.vattenfall.co.uk/en/archive-details.htm?newsid=D8E0D8883D044668BC1CA7BCE1F8D2FB
Posted 2010-09-24 14:30:36
Solve the problem of accessing offshore wind farms and you could land a £2 billion market opportunity.
Offshore wind farms are in the right places to capture wind resource but challenging to access for operations and maintenance. So there is a need for solutions to transporting and transferring personnel and equipment to turbines in offshore sites around the UK.
Solve the problem of accessing offshore wind farms and you could land a £2 billion market opportunity.
The Offshore Wind Accelerator Access Competition forms part of the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA), a collaborative R&D project between the Carbon Trust and eight of the leading international offshore wind farm developers.
Their goal is to develop technologies to drive down the cost of offshore wind, focusing on four research areas: Foundations, Wake Effects, Electrical Systems, and the focus for this competition, Access.
The OWA Access research area aims to challenge the traditional approach to transferring personnel and equipment from vessels to turbines for carrying out operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. This will become increasingly important as wind farms are developed further from shore in harsher sea conditions.
The open competition will identify and develop new access systems to dramatically improve the availability of turbines and the safety of people during the transfer to turbines.
Competition entries can address one or more of the access challenges identified, i.e.
* Transfer systems - to safely transfer personnel and equipment from vessels to turbines
* Vessels - to carry personnel and equipment to the turbines
* Launch and recovery systems - to allow permanent platforms and motherships housing maintenance crews to launch and recover the vessels to carry personnel to turbines
This is potentially a £2 billion global market, so the winning ideas will have access to a lucrative business opportunity. Equally important, if you are successful you will help make offshore wind energy a commercial reality.
Being an open call for ideas you do not need to be involved in offshore wind nor do the winning ideas need to be new; they could be an adaptation of existing technology that you are currently working on.
Successful applicants will receive up to £100k to develop their concept, and potentially further funding to take the concept to full-scale demonstration.
Winners will also engage with eight of the World's leading offshore wind developers, who will be needing access systems over the coming decade.
Closing date for applications is 26th November 2010. For full details and to register for the Offshore Wind Accelerator Access Project, follow the link:
http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/emerging-technologies/current-focus-areas/offshore-wind/pages/offshore-wind-access-challenge.aspx?utm_source=SMI&utm_medium=PARTNERSHIP&utm_content=GLOBAL&utm_campaign=OWA
Posted 2010-09-29 13:56:40
Marine premises available at competative prices with flexible terms
A number of marine premises are currently available on very competitive and flexible terms at Endeavour Quay in Gosport which is located between Gosport Marina and Haslar Marina.
Endeavour Quay is the site of the former Camper and Nicholson Shipyard and enjoys deep water access, a 180 ton boat lift, outside and inside boat storage and much more.
Many of the former workshops and stores have been converted and are now occupied by a range of marine related businesses including riggers, boat builders, chandlery, engineers, etc. These businesses all find work from the vessels that are lifted out at Endeavour Quay as well as from the boats that are located in Portsmouth Harbour and beyond in the wider Solent.
Premises that are currently available include:
* A fully equipped boat building work shop-2800 sq ft
* Office unit 650sq ft with great views over the workshops and Harbour
* Office / Workshop unit 900sq ft
All units have toilet facilities near by, power and communications connections and car parking by arrangement.
The Endeavour Quay customer base is strong in 3 areas; Commercial Vessels, Race Boats up to 35 metres and private owned boats ranging from 10 to 30 meters LOA. All these types of vessels need servicing, refitting and maintaining so if you are considering expanding, relocation or simply starting a new business consider the opportunities provided at Endeavour Quay.
If you want your business to become part of this historic, exciting, forward thinking, vibrant Marina Trade Centre, please contact Tim Newell on 07812 019028 email timnewell@endeavourquay.co.uk
Posted 2010-09-28 16:46:10
Atkins Ltd appointed environmental consultants to the SMARTA project
SMARTA (Sustainable Marine Transformation and Assessment) is a three year project aimed at helping marine companies in the South East to increase levels of profitability and sustainability.
The targets are achieved by working with marine companies to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, exploit design opportunities and optimise production processes.
The project is jointly funded by SEEDA and the European Regional Development Fund through the South East ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13.
Through the project, companies are able to access up to 2 days manufacturing consultancy, 5 days environmental consultancy and 5 days design consultancy - all free of charge. Atkins has recently been appointed to deliver the environmental consultancy for the project.
Atkins works with clients around the world to develop sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, focusing on improving environmental management performance, risk and liability management and competitiveness. This delivers savings and efficiencies in time, cost and resources and improves clients' environmental performance, bringing both reputational and financial benefits.
Examples of the areas in which Atkins can work with SMARTA clients are:
* Development of an Environmental Management System (EMS)
* Preparation for ISO14001 accreditation
* Analysis of and recommendations for energy and water usage
* Analysis of and recommendations for waste management process
* Development of a sustainable procurement strategy
Clients are, of course, not restricted to the above examples and are able to use the free environmental consultancy to design tailored programmes to meet their specific requirements. http://www.atkinsglobal.com
Clients' design requirements are looked after by WSX Enterprise, who will explore all aspects of design in marine businesses, from packaging to branding to communications.
Design Associates will offer practical, achievable solutions through the Designing Demand programme, delivering up to five days of free consultancy as part of the SMARTA programme.
Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) offer companies a range of business improvement techniques, relevant to both service and manufacturing companies. MAS experts confidently offer double digit bottom line gains through the use of a number of well proven techniques, an offer which a number of marine businesses have already taken up with astonishing results in improved profitability and efficiency. The SMARTA programme offers marine businesses two free days consultation with MAS SE specialists.
For more information on the SMARTA programme contact Stephen Sharp on 02380 111594, email stephen@marinesoutheast.co.uk or take a look at the SMARTA website at http://www.smarta.uk.com
Our next SMARTA promotional event is scheduled for Wednesday 10th November, and you can register to attend via the website, http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/marenet or by calling Jin Sandhu on 02380 111590.
Posted 2010-09-23 16:03:23
Navigate your way from Dover to a maritime career 14th October 2010
Students from across Kent have a unique chance to see a spectacular showcase of hands-on activities demonstrating opportunities in the Marine Sector. Thousands of young people from Kent schools and Colleges will work with employers for a day of hands-on activity seeing the vast array of skills and training available for a successful career.
The Kent Marine Festival takes place on 14th October 2010 at the Cruise Terminal Two Dover Harbour Board.
Employers and Training providers are committed to providing employment solutions for the Marine, Engineering, Hospitality and Manufacturing Industries. The event will be an inspiration to all those who attend with tours of ships, practical engineering, navigational challenges and a look at the vital role HM Coastguards have for this industry. How are ships built (including cruise ships)? What skills are required? How can I train for that role? Are Careers available in the Merchant Navy and Ancillary industries? These are a few of the thousands of questions answered by the practical exhibits in place during the day.
The event is by invitation only from 9.00 until 3.30am and at 5.00pm until 7.30pm. It is open to the general public free of charge.
The aim is that this innovative and specialised event will spark an interest and zest for the marine sector. It will inspire a drive towards Further Education and ultimately part of a new generation of maritime specialists employed in the UK.
For more information, please contact Anne McNulty, Executive Director, at East Kent Education Business Partnership, Tel. 01843 609310
Posted 2010-09-27 13:48:28
MEREX project identifying opportunities for marine companies
A number of promising opportunities have been identified during recent meetings of the Marine Energy Resources, Exploitation & Use (MEREX) Knowledge Network (one of Marine South East's European Projects).
Members of the relevant MEREX Industry Groups will now engage with the appropriate science base organisations to develop the initial ideas towards the creation of new products and services. Marine South East will be facilitating this process by building consortia and developing bids for project funding.
Most recently MEREX has brought together key environmental services and engineering organisations to explore the opportunities for creating additional value from waste streams in ports. Some exciting areas have been proposed for further investigation by the group.
Through MEREX, Marine South East has joined forces with CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science), and other European partners to bid for European funding to develop new hybrid marine propulsion systems. If funded the 'Fish2Energy' partnership will utilise two trawlers for the evaluation of new hybrid propulsion systems and the use of alternative fuels including liquefied natural gas (LNG), biogas, compressed natural gas (CNG), CNG & 4-9 % hydrogen (HCNG) and methanol.
MEREX has also established links with 'HYMAR', an EU supported, collaborative research and development project. Its aim is to develop state of the art marine hybrid systems for displacement vessels up to about 24m in length. HYMAR hybrid systems are being optimised for energy efficiency and are based on design principles which will allow any compliant equipment to be used regardless of supplier.
HYMAR has ambitious targets:
* A reduction in total fuel consumption of 30% and even higher in some types of vessel
* Virtually zero emissions and zero external noise under electric drive
* More on board electrical power providing more consumer choice
* Simple and reliable operation
* Single fuel ( no gas or petrol on board)
The HYMAR project will complete in 2012 but practical results will become available before then.
For the latest information, contact the HYMAR project manager at ICOMIA: ken.wittamore@hymar.org
http://www.hymar.org
To find out more and to register with MEREX please visit http://www.merex.co.uk where you will be prompted to supply some basic information about your organisation and indicate which industry groups are of interest.
Posted 2010-09-16 15:46:00
Royal Thames Mansura Trophy for innovation in hybrid marine engines is announced
A new website announcing the entry criteria and key dates for the 2010 Royal Thames Mansura Trophy in association with Bosch Engineering GmbH has been launched. The Mansura Trophy is an international award that recognises excellence and innovation in the design, development and application of hybrid power systems in marine vessels, which attracts entries from all over the world.
Full details of the award, rules for entry and qualification dates can be found online at http://www.mansuratrophy.com
With governments, manufacturers and users worldwide looking for effective transportation solutions using renewable energy resources, the Royal Thames Mansura Trophy has become established as the most prestigious international marine award for ecology.
Eligible vessels must use at least two independent sources of propulsive power, and the final drive system must be electrical. While encouraging prototype development, this award is unique in that it recognises real achievement with entrants required to have an operational vessel on the water before the 31st December 2010 to qualify for this year's trophy. Full details of the entry criteria can be found at http://www.mansuratrophy.com.
Posted 2010-09-16 15:29:33
Southampton Solent University’s Mentoring+ scheme
Southampton Solent University's Mentoring+ scheme is a real way to make a difference in someone's life and they are looking for more mentors to become involved.
Mentoring+ provides those students who feel they may be disadvantaged when they enter the workplace with an opportunity to get a head start on their careers by having the benefit of a one-to-one mentor from the local business community.
Southampton Solent University is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who have great listening skills and the ability to provide objective advice to join their Mentoring+ scheme for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Being a mentor can involve helping increase a student's business awareness, assisting with clarifying their career goals, or helping with job search techniques such as improving their CV or providing interview tips. Some mentees need help and advice on things like time management or prioritising. What you do will be agreed between you and your mentee.
The scheme will run from November 2010 to May 2011 and we ask you to hold six 1-hour sessions with your mentee during that time. We offer training, to be held on the morning of Friday 12 November, and will hold a celebration event in June 2011 for all mentors and mentees to attend.
For more information and an application form, please contact mentoring@solent.ac.uk.
Please note the deadline for applications is Monday 25th October 2010.
Posted 2010-09-24 14:12:01
The Society of Maritime Industries publishes first Annual Review
The Society of Maritime Industries has published its first Annual Review which is available at the following link:
http://www.maritimeindustries.org/news/files/SMIAnnualReview2010.pdf
The Review aims to demonstrate the scope and success of the UK maritime engineering and business sector in a range of markets. A number of topical editorial articles seek to reveal the innovation and forward thinking technology which is available from the UK and highlights some of the potential future areas which will provide an opportunity for growth in the sector.
The review also aims to inform government about the dynamism of the industry and highlight the strategies being adopted to maximise the return from investment in research and technology.
It is intended that the Society will undertake a further review in one year.
Posted 2010-09-28 11:19:15
Digital Design and Manufacture Programme with SolidWorks® Starts 7th October 2010
Southampton Solent University in close collaboration with both Marine South East and Solid Solutions have developed an accredited SolidWorks programme – Digital Design and Manufacture using SolidWorks 3D CAD package.
The course commences on Thursday 7th October 2010 for 26 weeks over the academic year – one evening a week for 2 hours – 18:30 – 21:00 ( a ½ hr intro), based at the university site in the city centre of Southampton – East Park Terrace- SO14 0YN.
The course will be tutored by a Solid Solutions instructor at Solent University in Southampton in collaboration with academic staff at the University. The programme will develop skills through the basics of SolidWorks package and digital design projects, with a marine slant, will be undertaken throughout the course. These projects will build upon your accrued knowledge and provide you with a portfolio of digital design experience.
At the end of the first year -the award will be a Professional Development Award or PDA - which will earn credit points towards a higher degree or Msc. The possibility to continue with Master Classes in SolidWorks and computer aided manufacture programme will result in further credits for a higher degree Msc and also enable the candidate to take the SolidWorks exams - giving SolidWorks accredited user status. As a student there is the opportunity to purchase an educational licensed copy of SolidWorks for practise and home use, an excellent way to "test drive" this innovative digital design package.
To confirm your place on this programme please contact Neil Shorter on (023) 80 319 473 or email neil.shorter@solent.ac.uk
However, for further information on this exciting and innovative programme please contact Solent Centre for Design and Innovation on 023 80 319 862 or via email at idc@solent.ac.uk
The course costs £725 per delegate. Therefore places are in high demand so contact Neil Shorter as indicated above.
