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Email News December 2019


Welcome to the December 2019 Email Newsletter from Marine South East

If you would like to submit an article for consideration please email the text and a suitable image or logo to sj@mseuk.org


Posted 2019-11-07 15:08:42


EU Maritime study reveals rapid rise in shipbuilding 'patent protection'

The EU funded KETmaritime project, of which Marine South East is a partner, has revealed a rapid rise in patent applications as shipbuilding superpowers look to protect and commercially exploit new innovations in technology.

The KETmaritime project is being delivered by a consortium of seven partners across Europe in an effort to identify 'Key Enabling Technologies' to support the future needs and demands of the Atlantic maritime industry.

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) located in Portugal is the lead partner in the Euro 1M KETmaritime project which is backed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The in-depth Advanced Manufacturing Shipbuilding Applications study examines both the current use and future potential of 'new-age' technology - including 3D-scanning, 3D-printing, robotics, virtual and augmented reality.

Further analysis of international classification patents illustrates the scale of innovation and new technology entering the global shipbuilding sector. Data was examined between the periods of 2010 and 2018 involving more than 3,800 patents.

Partners in the project spent considerable time reviewing global shipbuilding patents published in the last decade. The report notes that the production of patents in the field of shipbuilding has consistently doubled throughout the last decade, even tripling in 2018. This indicates that far from stagnating, innovations in manufacturing are increasing at pace.

The report also concludes that there are prominent patent families. The most prominent codes firmly indicate that 'industrial protection' activity is taking place in every aspect related to the manufacture of floating structures. This includes methods of designing, building, maintaining, converting, refitting, repairing, or determining properties of vessels.

The study also identified the most active patenting countries. Since 2010, China and Korea have dominated industrial protection activity in the field of shipbuilding. The most prominent applicants were Korean shipbuilders: Daewoo, Samsung, and Hyundai. These three organizations gathered more than 115% of the total patent production alone. This clearly indicates the prominence of specific operators in relation to commercially exploiting and protecting manufacturing innovations for shipbuilding.

The study crucially identifies a series of 'key enabling technologies' with potential to greatly influence the future Atlantic shipbuilding process. These include digital manufacturing technologies, involving tools for design, simulation, engineering, manufacturing, 3D scanning and 3D printing. In addition, ICT infrastructures, technologies and services are of high importance including wireless networks, mobile devices, cloud computing, low cost development hardware, cross-platform programming languages and wearables.

Furthermore, automation will be a key driver including 'intelligent' robotics, artificial vision and autonomous vehicles. Finally, simulation and immersion technologies are set to have a major impact involving virtual and augmented reality.

Commenting on the report, Ana Vila, project coordinator from INL said, "A critical factor is that all of this technology is approaching a point of maturity and affordability essentially making it more commercially viable. In addition, it is all becoming highly compatible, lending itself to scalable implementation. This is why advanced manufacturing is now of greater relevance and importance than ever before.

"Key findings from this specific KETmaritime case study on 'Advanced Manufacturing for Shipbuilding Applications' highlight why successful implementation of new and advanced technology is of paramount importance to the competitiveness of the Atlantic shipbuilding trade."

To download a full copy of the report please visit:

http://ketmaritime.eu/media/



Posted 2019-11-12 14:23:00


Marine Surveyor Apprenticeships win Government Approval

An industry-backed initiative led by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) to develop a four-year degree-level apprenticeship for those who aspire to become professional marine surveyors, has been formally approved by the UK government’s Department for Education (DfE).

In recent years, employers such as classification societies, P&I Clubs and other specialist insurers, as well as governmental bodies like the UK’s Maritime Coastguard Authority (MCA) have struggled to recruit and retain competent seafarers and other surveyor candidates. They increasingly have to import talent from overseas.

To address the problem, an alliance of industry partners coalesced into the Trailblazer Group with the aim of creating an apprenticeship programme.

The apprenticeship takes candidates with relevant A-level qualifications or equivalent and provides them both academic studies and specialist practical training to produce competent and self-reliant surveyors at the end of the four-year programme.

The DfE granted the apprenticeship the highest band of financial support to employers, allowing them to spend up to £24,000 towards the education and training expenses per candidate over the four year programme. In contrast to outsourcing the training to a third-party, an apprenticeship gives employers far greater scope to ‘mould’ surveyors throughout the four-year programme.


Posted 2019-11-18 15:11:31


Technology and Innovation in UK Maritime - MarRI call - Expression of Interest Stage

The Department for Transport (DfT) is keen to continue to engage with industry to promote the development of technological innovation in UK maritime. For this reason, Technology and Innovation in UK Maritime Call was launched.

The call will fund innovative solutions within mid Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 3-7) to demonstrate potential applications for innovative technology or for proof of concept of new ideas in this field. £1.5M is available for competition, which administered by MarRI-UK.

This is an Expression of interest (EOI) competition. There are two stages and the whole process takes at least nine months.

Expression of Interest (EoI): opens for 12 weeks (closing midday 20th December 2019) and is reviewed by MarRI-UK only.

Full proposal: invite only, if successful in the expression of interest stage.

Project applications should describe how the proposed solution will be applied in the maritime environment, and the benefits that this will have to maritime operations. This could include safety, reduced cost, improved efficiency, reduced emissions and wider environmental benefits, enhanced situational awareness, etc.

Project applications should clearly demonstrate how the solution relates to the aims and ambitious set out in Maritime 2050 and/or the Technology and Innovation in UK Maritime route-map.

Projects must have an innovative aspect, although this does include products being used in innovative ways, outside of their original intended use.

For full information please visit:

https://tinyurl.com/qpe8j8z


Posted 2019-11-18 15:55:22


Could Nanotechnology offer solution for vessel corrosion and bio-fouling?

Nanotechnology will play a crucial role in the future management of vessel corrosion and biofouling; according to the EU funded maritime project KETmaritime.

The research into the potential of 'Nanotechnology Marine Applications' is part of the Euro 1M, two-year KETmaritime project of which Marine South East is a partner. This latest study was led by Spanish technology centre IDONIAL in collaboration with INL and Marine South East.

According to the report, humidity and salinity levels at sea cause around 30% of all vessel failures, repair needs and equipment malfunctions. Whilst traditional solutions including protective coatings and paints partially offset the degradation process, new nanotechnology is proving considerably more efficient.

Corrosion and biofouling are known to be major challenges for vessel operators. In the case of corrosion, the deterioration process is caused by an electrochemical attack. This leads to a progressive process of oxidation putting the integrity of vessel material in danger. This comes at a considerable cost to marine operators in terms of maintenance and repair activities.

Biofouling, meanwhile, involves a build-up of organic mass which can modify the shape and hydrodynamic behaviour of hull material. This can lead to increased water resistance and fuel consumption. Both phenomena continue to pose challenges because the current manufacturing and treatment process of materials present defects. Although small, these defects favour both the oxidation processes and the accumulation of biomass.

New solutions are being explored through the development of 'nanostructed' coatings using 'nanoparticulate' substances. The report found that these coatings are capable of providing superior protection because they involve substances which form and interact on previously unreachable scales, in which the corrosion and biofouling processes begin.

As part of the KETmaritime project, INL is currently working with Portuguese firm UNDERSEE to implement state of the art technologies to increase the lifetime of sensors in respect to biofouling. Nanotechnology further offers environmental benefits by maximising the anti-adherent or repulsive capabilities of a surface and eliminating the need for biocides.

The report notes that numerous companies are already developing specialised nanotech products to tackle corrosion and biofouling. New products include nanoadditives such as nano-ZnO, nanoalumina, nanosilica.

David Santos, from project partner IDONIAL, said there are a raft of other potential uses for ‘nanotechnology’ across marine related operations.

"There remains huge interest in the potential of nanotechnology due to its innovative approach to products and processes from the smallest achievable physical scale," he said. "At the molecular or atomic scale, the behaviour of matter can be very different from what is observed at a macro scale. There are many areas across the marine sector which will significantly benefit from new advances in nanotechnology. The latest report from KETmaritime expands in detail on the uses of this technology within shipbuilding, oil & gas operations, fuel additives, alternative powering systems, aquaculture and fisheries.

The KETmaritime project is backed by the European Regional Development Fund and is being delivered by a consortium of seven partners in an effort to identify 'Key Enabling Technologies' to support the future needs and demands of the Atlantic maritime industry.

For more information please visit: http://ketmaritime.eu/


Posted 2019-11-12 13:24:36


Volunteer opportunities to promote marine industry careers to school leavers

EBP South are looking for professionals to inspire young people about their future at various Career's Inspiration events across the whole of Hampshire.

If you are able to volunteer for any of the following events please let EBP South know by emailing enquiries@ebpsouth.co.uk

Title; Saint George Catholic College Employer Interview Day
Date: 16th January 2020
Time: 08.00 - 13.30
Location: Southampton

Overview: You will be interviewing students. We will give you a list of questions at the beginning of the event about competencies, interests etc. you may also prepare your own questions if you want to. At the end you will give students feedback on their communication skills, body language etc. Students will rotate throughout the day.

Warblington School - Your Future Business Speed Networking
Date: 21st January 2020
Time: 10.45 - 14.15
Location: Havant

Overview: Students will ask you questions about your job, company and industry, rotating around the room every 15 minutes. This gives students an understanding of different workplaces as well as build their employability skills e.g. confidence and communication skills.

Title: Havant Academy Your Futures Business Speed Networking Event
Date: 24th January 2020
Time: 09.30 - 10.30
Location: Havant

Overview: Students will ask you questions about your job, company, and industry, students will rotate around the room every 15 minutes. This gives students an understanding of different workplaces as well as build their employability skills e.g. confidence and communication skills.

To find out more please visit: https://www.ebpsouth.co.uk/Pages/Events/Category/events-for-professionals?Take=24


Posted 2019-11-07 15:14:54


New £15.4M Maritime and Fisheries Fund to fund innovation and technology

The Marine Management Organisation will administer a new £15.4 million Maritime Fisheries Fund. It will fund innovation and the take up of new technology, improve port infrastructure, processing fisheries and aquaculture products, and support lifesaving vessel safety measures.

The fund provides support for sustainable development within the fishing and aquaculture sectors and conservation of the marine environment, alongside growth and jobs in coastal and marine related sectors. The purpose of the scheme is to provide England with a financial support mechanism to the fisheries, inland waters, aquaculture and maritime sectors. The scheme will help England reach economic, environmental and social goals and:

* help fishermen in the transition to sustainable fishing
* finance projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along our coasts

The MFF scheme in England provides funding to private applicants for:

* assisting the fisheries sectors with the implementation of national fisheries legislation
* improving health and safety on fishing vessels
* improving the added value or quality of fish caught including use of unwanted catches
* investments in fishing ports, landing sites, auction halls and shelters
* processing of fishery and aquaculture products
* investments in aquaculture

For more information please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/maritime-and-fisheries-fund-mff-before-you-apply


Posted 2019-11-12 15:45:14


Take advantage of the Solent Skills Support for the Workforce Programme and access £3.4M of ESF funding

The Skills Support for the Workforce project within the Solent area focuses on supporting businesses with free training needs analysis and higher level skills to upskill the workforce with eligible learners over the age of 16.

The service supports all businesses, including those who are restructuring, with a particular focus on the Solent LEP priority sectors including: Marine and Maritime and Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (inc photonics and advanced materials).

A typical offer to businesses consists of:

* Organisational training need analysis
* An Initial Assessment of skills within the business
* Bespoke training for eligible employees
* Support to help your employees progress in work, further education or an apprenticeship.
* A range of learning activity both accredited and non-accredited

This service can also support individuals who have recently been made redundant with a range of both accredited and non-accredited learning activity, to help the individual progress into work, education or apprenticeship.

Marine businesses in the following post codes are eligible for the Solent Skills Support for the Workforce Project: Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Isle of Wight, New Forest, Portsmouth, Southampton.

Areas of training that businesses can access can include customer service, budget management, Web design and SEO, CRM training, sales, leadership and management, digital marketing, accountancy, finance training, technical skills and more.

Email the team at skillssupportteam@cswgroup.co.uk for more information.

CSW are also currently conducting Skills Survey for Employers to identify skills gaps in different sectors. Visit the following link to take part and click on the pink circle:

https://cswgroup.co.uk/what-we-do/skills-support/skills-support-for-the-workforce/


Posted 2019-11-08 14:34:05


Would your business benefit from 12 hours of FREE one-to-one growth support?

If the answer is yes, you may be able to participate in the Solent LEP Growth Accelerator Programme. The LEP are working in partnership with BDO LLP to support businesses based in the Solent looking to enhance their growth strategy.

Graduation from the programme will result in a detailed growth action plan and an opportunity to apply for funding of up to £500,000 to support the delivery of your plan.

To find out more please visit:

https://solentlep.org.uk/business-support-and-funding/support-for-small-medium-business/


Posted 2019-11-08 15:06:02


Based in Southampton and looking to employ an apprentice?

Are you aware that you can apply for an apprenticeship levy transfer to help upskill your existing staff through apprenticeship delivery or recruit new apprentices?

Southampton City Council have reopened applications for businesses to apply. One of the many benefits of using a transfer to fund apprenticeships is that it opens up a wider range of training providers to appoint to deliver your chosen standards.

If you have any questions, please contact Sara Warry from the Solent Apprenticeship Hub at sara.warry@southampton.gov.uk .


Posted 2019-11-08 15:10:05


ORE Catapult launches Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence

The Offshore Renweable Energy (ORE) Catapult has launched a new multi-million pound Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence to spearhead the development of next-generation offshore wind technologies.

The overarching aim is to develop an internationally recognised centre of excellence that will work to speed up the commercialisation of floating offshore wind by reducing costs, accelerating the construction of floating farms, creating opportunities for the UK supply chain and drive innovations in manufacturing, installation and O&M.

The Centre of Excellence is essential in meeting the Sector Deal commitment to produce 30GW of offshore wind by 2030 and the UK's commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050.

ORE Catapult's Macroeconomic Benefits report and the joint Renewable UK and Scottish Renewables Floating Wind - The UK Industry Ambition identify that Scotland, South West England and Wales are key areas in harnessing floating wind and could benefit from the development of the technology, creating 17,000 jobs and generating £33.6bn for UK economy by 2050.

To find out more please follow the link:

https://tinyurl.com/yxk3zap9


Posted 2019-11-07 18:03:36


Oxford Innovation Space Incubator looking to support space data solutions for marine applications

The Oxford Innovation Space Incubator is a growing community of over 100 entrepreneurs and technical experts interested in space technology and downstream space applications.

The OI Space Incubator is looking for UK-based SMEs with well thought through innovative ideas for commercial products and services that exploit space data, technologies or capabilities. Oxford Innovation and our partners are particularly keen on solutions for marine, aerospace , transport , health, clean growth, gaming, agri-tech and urban futures, but ideas for any sector are welcome.

Work can have already commenced on developing the idea as the OISI will provide support for any stage of the innovation and commercialisation process. It is not a requirement for that the product or service is launched to the market by the OISI end date of June 2020.

If you have questions about your project, please contact OISpace@oxin.co.uk.

It is a condition of eligibility that each project is represented at six days of mandatory workshops, which will be held at the BASE Innovation Centre in Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 0FX.

* Innovation workshops: 7th - 9th January 2020
* Launch readiness workshops: 18th - 20th February 2020

We will provide lunch and refreshments at the workshops but do not contribute towards travel or accommodation expenses.

The OI Space Incubator Cohort 2019/20 will benefit from an intensive incubation programme of support.

To find out more please visit:

https://www.oispace.co.uk/oi-space-incubator-comprehensive-programme/


Posted 2019-11-07 18:24:47