Tech tonic
Dr Rodrigo Pérez Fernández examines digitalisation and AI as enablers of next-generation shipbuilding.
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About US
Western Joint Branch of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects and The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, for Members in Bristol, Bath, Taunton, South East Wales, Gloucester, Swindon and Salisbury.
The Western Joint Branch comprises members of the IMarEST and RINA, covering a large area from Swindon in the North East down to Taunton in the South West, the counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset and the cities of Bath and Bristol. The membership is drawn principally from those associated with the defence maritime sector, including serving and retired Royal Navy personnel, MOD civil servants and contractors from organisations such as Rolls Royce, BVT Surface Fleet, Thales Naval and BMT Group, as well as a number of self-employed consultants. The WJB committee comprises up to 10 marine engineers and naval architects, some of whom are members of both institutes. The committee members conduct liaison with HQ staff, plan and execute the lecture and technical visit programme, apply for HQ funding and manage the budget, represent the membership at HQ meetings and organise and conduct Professional Review Interviews (PRIs) for Incorporated and Chartered Engineer candidates. All branch meetings are advertised via the RINA and IMarEST websites and posters advertising the meetings sent to those who have provided their e-mail address to the WJB honorary secretary.
Up to 8 lectures are presented each year between September and April, the venue alternating between the Universities of Bath and the West of England (in North Bristol). The meetings are open to all and we are always pleased to welcome new members, colleagues, friends and family members. Light refreshments are provided. Technical visits are organised subject to the availability of suitable venues, hosts and visit sponsors. Such visits are advertised as they arise.
Chairman - Jake Rigby CEng FRINA MIMarEST
Vice-Chairman - Benjamin Scott CEng MRINA
Secretary - Daniel McAlindon AMRINA
Treasurer - Mr. S Crockett CEng CMarEng FIMarEST RCNC
Assistant Treasurer - Matthew Hood CEng MIET MAPM FRINA RCNC
Webmaster - Daniel Chippendale MEng AMIMarEST
Professional Affair Coordinator - Peter Stott
Professional Affair Coordinator - Alex Hyslop CEng CMarEng MIMarEST
Davie Defense awarded ASC deal
Finnish shipyard to help boost US company’s expertise and extend US polar capabilities.
The wind is with us
Wind propulsion remains a practical and cost-effective tool for decarbonising shipping, despite the regulatory headwinds, and the time for action is now, says David Osborn, director of the IMO’s Marine Environment Division.
Hanwha Ocean signs landmark agreements with Canada
South Korean shipbuilder pledges to share expertise with Ontario Shipyards and Mohawk College in bid for Canadian Patrol Submarine Project contract.
LR validates GT Wings' assessment methodology
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has verified the sea trials performance assessment methodology used by GT Wings for its AirWing Jet Sail system. This provides an independent stamp of approval for the way the company measures fuel and emissions savings from its wind-assisted propulsion technology.
Grimaldi adds Grande Michigan to ammonia-ready carrier fleet
The Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of Grande Michigan, the eighth ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) in its fleet, from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu.
Wärtsilä wins LNG contract from Chinese shipbuilder
Wärtsilä Gas Solutions has been awarded a contract to supply cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for two new LNG bunkering vessels currently under construction at Zhejiang Xinle Shipbuilding in China.
UK names new Marine Accidents Chief
The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has appointed Rob Loder as its new chief inspector of marine accidents, succeeding Andrew Moll OBE, who retired earlier this month after 21 years at the organisation.
Sallaum Lines moves in on net-zero with newbuild PCTC Ocean Breeze
A series of six LNG-enabled pure car and truck carriers are set to play a crucial role in Sallaum Lines’ efforts to decarbonise its transportation operations
New approach to shipbuilding with LSM deal
The US Navy is pioneering a new approach to shipbuilding with its Landing Ship Medium (LSM) programme, an approach it hopes will enable it to quickly bring large numbers of newbuilds into service on time and on budget
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We are always looking for Members to contribute, whether through supporting the management of the Branch, volunteering at events, or with speaking, training, webinars, STEM activitites for local schools universities, and even mentoring our younger members. Any and all ideas for the Branch events programme and more are very welcome and we look forward to seeing you at our Branch Meetings soon.
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