Pod Research for High Speed Ships and Trimarans

A completely new pod design concept for high-speed containerships, ferries and even trimarans capable of 40kts-plus is to be the objective of a new EU funded research project likely to be officially launched next month. Part of the EU Framework 5 funding programme, the aptly named Fastpod project will attempt to reduce the physical size of the podded propulsor whilst boosting its power considerably. New hull forms will also be designed to optimise podded propulsion.

SOLAS 2000

The amendments to SOLAS 2000 officially came into force on 1 July this year but there is concern that a rigid system of strict rules may hinder further progress in shipbuilding. As a result, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee has permitted alternative safety analyses. Shipowners will be given flexibility when choosing technical solutions, so that the minimum requirements are better adapted to each ship. The precise implementation is governed by Regulation 17 of Chapter II-2 in SOLAS 2000.

Zero Emissions: Focus of New EU Project

A new project aimed at providing a basis for 'safe and almost zero' emission for cruise ships and ferries has been officially launched. The EU project, costing some Euro15M has been designated Safenvship and was initiated at a special meeting held at the Genoa-based Italian Classification society RINA. It is being developed with the assistance of ten companies: Fincantieri, Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding, Grimaldi Napoli, Wartsila, Rochem UF, Scanship, Safety at Sea, Marintek, Vienna Model Basin and RINA.

Atlas of the Oceans Launched

The internet based UN Atlas of the Oceans was launched on World Environment Day (5 June 2002) at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Committee of UNESCO in Paris, France. It is the result of two years of development and more than a decade of planning. The IMO claims the Atlas of the Oceans represents the most ambitious on-line global scientific collaboration ever. The Atlas is designed for a complete cross-section of users, from schoolchildren to policy makers needing familiarity to ocean issues, to resource managers needing access to databases. The Atlas will serve as a resource offering instant access to strategic data on the state of the oceans, development trends and threats to human health from the deteriorating marine environment. For further information visit www.oceanatlas.com

VT Ocean Sciences pledges Support for European Marine Scientists

VT Ocean Sciences, a joint venture between VT Group and the University of Wales at Bangor, is to launch a scheme to assist European marine scientists by offering ship time on its recently-built research vessel Prince Madog. Applications are invited from all sectors of the European marine science community with a requirement for ship time in support of their work. Projects that would make a significant contribution to the environmental debate and with potential to influence a wider public are particularly invited. The prize is 5 days onboard Prince Madog during 2003 to carry out the proposed science or training. The winner will also be invited to present a 'Prince Madog Lecture' at a future Challenger Society Event. Submissions must be received by December 17th 2002. For further information please contact princemadog@vtis.com.

World Maritime Day

The IMO has announced that World Maritime Day will be celebrated on Thursday 26 September at the organisation's headquarters in London. The theme will be: 'IMO - Safer Shipping Demands A Safety Culture.' Member governments may designate a specific day during the week beginning the 23 September for their celebrations.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution - Deputy Divisional Engineer
You should be degree educated with a Merchant Navy Class 1 Certificate or an equivalent RN Qualification.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution - Maintenance Manager/Technician
crucial...is the continual maintenance, testing and repair of our water-jet powered, fast rescue boats.

Robert Wynn & Sons Ltd - Operations Director Designate
...you will be a key member of the executive team and be responsible for management of the transport and logistics of complex heavy-load projects...

Seastate Pty Ltd - International Sales Manager
The ideal candidate will have a technical background and a familiarity with ship operations together with excellent communication skills

BMT Shipdesign Limited - Chief Marine Engineer
We are currently looking for a dynamic indivual to lead our experienced team of Marine Engineers in our Tyne and Wear office.