Ceremony fit for a Queen

HER MAJESTY The Queen officially named the Queen Mary 2 last month in one of the most lavish events the maritime industry has witnessed for many years.

Queen Elizabeth II formally named the ship on 8 January during a gala quayside ceremony, in which she ‘named this ship Queen Mary 2. May God bless her and all who sail in her.’ Her Majesty then pressed the button to release a jeroboam of Champagne which crashed against the 150 000gt ship’s starboard bow. Some 2000 invited guests broke into rapturous applause as ticker tape fell from the rafters of a specially constructed, weatherproof grandstand at Southampton’s QE2 Terminal.

Among the many guests attending the ceremony was UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, himself an exseafarer on passenger vessels. He told MER: ‘Today is a very significant day for the revival of the Red Ensign and for Cunard. I am absolutelydelighted that the biggest liner in the world will be named and will sail under the British flag.’

SOURCE MER

Stealth mast for future warships

Warships that conceal antennae and radars within the main mast could soon be common place following a major contract to provide an advanced technology communications mast for the UK Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal.

The state-of-the-art advanced technology mast (ATM), developed by UK-based science and technology company Qinetiq, and due to enter service in 2005, is said to be lighter and stealthier than conventional masts and, because most of
the equipment is enclosed within the superstructure, it is protected from the environment.

Qinetiq Project Manager Graeme Batchelor explained: ‘ Conventionally, this equipment is mounted externally of the mast, where it is exposed to the elements. It must be also carefully sited as the steel structure
can block the externally mounted sensors’ field of view.’

The new design can also accommodate new or upgraded sensor technologies and affords easier maintenance as communications equipment can be maintained within the protection of the mast rather than from external scaffolding.

More importantly, perhaps, especially from a defence perspective, housing the wide variety of radio frequency transmitters and receivers in this way reduces significantly a ship’s signature, and, as Qinetiq’s Commercial Manager Andrew Bailey pointed out, it prevents the enemy from knowing exactly what systems or personnel are onboard.

The outer skin of the mast is made from frequency selective or 'tuned' composites and allows radar and communications equipment to 'see out'. These outer skins have been developed so that they can be manufactured using existing and well-established shipyard techniques, which means that large structures can still bebuilt at reasonable initial cost and, over the life of the vessel, are significantly cheaper because of their low maintenance and the ease with which equipment can be upgraded, claims Qinetiq.

Derek Barnes, Managing Director of Qinetiq's Future Systems Technology Division said:‘ We are very pleased to have won this contract, which builds on many years of MOD funded development. It is a clear demonstration of the pull through of ground breaking research into front line service and is recognition of Qinetiq's ability to act in the role of Lead Systems Integrator for such projects.’

Qinetiq first began working on advanced masts in support of the Royal Navy in 1992. Since then several full-scale structures have been built and tested and a range of materials developed for the outer skin. The new technology is due into service in late 2005 following its installation on HMS Ark Royal. Qinetiq believes it is likely to become common place on future warships.

SOURCE MER

Last chance to register for ISODC

The deadline for registrations of intent to enter the International Student Offshore Design Competition (ISODC) is Friday 27 February 2004 although final designs do not have to be submitted until Friday 28 May 2004.

This annual competition sponsored by IMarEST aims to develop an appreciation of the design process, encourage teamwork and to develop mentor relationships between students and offshore industry professionals. Undergraduate design course projects are the primary focus of the competition however independent study projects are also eligible wiyh qualification being limited to team members with no more than 5 years of university study at the closing date.

For further information and access to the online registration form please visit www.isodc.com

Got what it takes to inspire scientists & engineers of the future?

Then why not become a Science and Engineering Ambassador. Ambassadors need enthusiasm, commitment, and the ability to identify with and inspire young people. They will be formally briefed on education and working with schools, and will be able to be effective locally as part of a nationally run programme. For more information contact Holly Sheridan on 020 73822619 or e-mail holly.sheridan@imarest.org

Annual Young Navigators’ Competition

The Royal Institute of Navigation is holding a free competition for anyone between the ages of 9 and 23 years old. If you or anyone you know is interested in taking part then all you need to do is enter an essay or project with a title chosen from the following...

full details >

The Voice of the Future 2004

The Royal Society of Chemistry is once again organising a major initiative this spring with the objective of strengthening links between the scientific community, Parliament and Government.

Entitled 'The Voice of the Future 2004', this event will involve a significant number of younger scientists from all disciplines and from all over the UK (primarily those aged from their early twenties to their mid thirties) who come to London to meet Members of Parliament on the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee.

This year they are again holding the event in Parliament within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster. It will feature a Science Question Time, rather like the BBC TV Question Time, and will enable younger scientists taking part the chance to put any questions they like to a panel of Parliamentarians.

If you would like further information regarding Voice of the Future 2004 or would like an application form and draft programme please contact holly.sheridan@imarest.org.

Formal Recognition of Saipem UK Ltd

The Saipem UK Limited Graduate Training Programme has received formal recognition of accreditation through the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Ed Hansom, Manager Professional Affairs and Holly Sheridan, Membership Development Co-ordinator of the IMarEST, visited the site at Motspur Park, on Monday 16th February 2004, to award a certificate to Mr Mauro Giovannetti, Human Resources and ICT Manager, on behalf of the company.

Below is the current list of events organised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology itself: