Why anchoring system layout deserves greater design attention
As vessel designers push the boundaries of space and efficiency, the humble anchoring system is increasingly caught in the squeeze.
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
What's next for WAPS?
DNV’s senior principal engineer, Hasso Hoffmeister, examines the evolution of wind-assisted propulsion systems, and what comes next.
Advancing innovation, collaboration and knowledge-sharing
Welcome to the latest edition of The Naval Architect. Eight months into my tenure as CEO, my initial focus has been on strengthening RINA’s foundations and accelerating delivery of the strategic changes required for our next exciting phase, outlined here.
Deal smoothes path to Net Zero
UK’s first commercial biomethanol bunkering service launches at Port of Immingham.
Efficiency is the transitional fuel
Examining how energy saving devices have helped Odfjell slash its fuel costs across its chemical tanker fleet.
China moves fast with green fuel ambitions
China is moving with unusual institutional weight to position itself at the centre of the global maritime energy transition. A blueprint backed by 10 central government ministries has set Shanghai on course to become a leading green bunkering hub by 2030.
Professional profile - Edwin Pang
RINA speaks to Edwin Pang, founder of consultancy Arcsilea, about his career to date and notable role as RINA IMO Committee chair.
MIT research shows how to cut ship drag by up to 7.5%
Study shows how wedge-shaped vortex generators reduce drag in ship hulls, which could help in the drive to decarbonise the shipping industry.
The Coandă effect
Khaled M Karmous explains his patented high-pressure water jet system that is showing promise as a new class of active friction-reduction technology, designed to cut fuel consumption by reducing hull drag.
Wind Propulsion 2026: Momentum meets method*
RINA’s conference brought together industry leaders to examine how wind propulsion technologies are moving from concept to fleet-level implementation.
GET INVOLVED
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.
Contact Form
FORUM
Welcome to the Branch Forum – a place to connect with fellow members, exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences.
We encourage open, constructive, and respectful discussion. Members are expected to engage professionally and positively at all times, in accordance with the RINA Code of Conduct. Different viewpoints are welcome; respectful debate helps us all learn and grow.
Join the conversation and help strengthen our global professional community.
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