AZIPILOT is funded by the European Commission via the Seventh Framework Programme (CoordinatedAction).

The partners are Mettle, Transas Ltd, STC–Group, SSPA Sweden AB, BMT Sea Tech Ltd , FORCE Technology, Broström Aktiebolag, South Tyneside College, SOGREAH Consultants, CTO–Ship Design and Research Centre, Cons.a.r–Italian Ship Owners Research Consortium, Foundation for Safety of Navigation and Environment Protection, Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems, Newcastle University, School of Marine Science and Technology.

SSPA’s work in this project is focused on HYDRODYNAMIC MODELLING. This includes the collection and summary of existing knowledge relating to the hydrodynamics of azimuthing control devices.

The Problem Addressed

From the thrusters on smaller, but numerous, harbour support vessels through to the pod-drives on cruise ships and oceangoing liners, azimuthing control has rapidly established it self in the maritime industry. While the industry has risen to meet the demand, this rapid evolution has not allowed sufficient time for the propagation of knowledge through out the different disciplines. Though the various sectors of the industry each have their own expertise, a lack of communication is both restricting progress and compromising safety.

Aims and Objectives

The aim is to improve by policy and design, the safety and security of ships by taking into account the man machine interface and the training of maritime pilots; specifically when operating ships equipped with azimuthing control devices.

Project Implementation and Outputs

The project will draw on existing knowledge from the results and recommendations ofprevious projects; existing general maritime training methods; knowledge from contributing related disciplines; existing regulations and criteria. It will also draw on ongoing activities include: other research projects, conferences; international technical forums and maritime associations.The four main outputs include the publication of a dedicated technical journal; guidelines for a dedicated maritime training program; data for a dedicated engineering lecture series; recommendations for specific regulations and criteria.

Contact: Project manager, Björn Allenström, +46(0)31 772 90 66, bjorn.allenstrom@sspa.se