New hydrodynamic testing facilities in the planning stage
Plans are underway to improve hydroscience facilities in the South East. Following the loss of the GKN towing tank earlier this year, the remaining key facility in the South East is at QinetiQ in Haslar, Gosport. The conditions of the previous contractual arrangements with the Ministry of Defence made it difficult for QinetiQ to offer their facilities to customers at commercially competitive rates.
This is all about to change when a new contract is agreed that will ensure the facilities are made available at a competitive market rate. The new arrangements also secure a programme of continual investment in the facilities to ensure they remain world-class. The new contract is expected to be finalised in September.
Despite the developments at QinetiQ there remains a need for complementary facilities to address the needs of the designers of smaller vessels, researchers and the educational needs of Universities. The University of Southampton and Lloyds Register are working with Marine South East, service providers and potential customers explore feasibility of another hydroscience facility at the Maritime Centre of Excellence redevelopment of the University's Boldrewood campus in Southampton. The group has been looking at best practice across Europe to research the most appropriate funding and ownership models as well as quantifying the need for the facility.
The large Haslar facility is mainly suitable for larger vessels, such as ships, submarines and naval vessels, the facility at Boldrewood would be more appropriate and affordable for smaller commercial and leisure craft - enabling designers of these craft to support computer vessel design with the validation of their performance in the water.
If you would like to find out more contact simon@marinesoutheast.co.uk. Alternatively if you would like to learn more about the Boldrewood development log onto http://www.maritimecentre.info
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