Predicting underwater-radiated noise, new paper
SSPA has been involved in numerous acoustic-related projects and continually developing various predictive tools, making them available to assist customers in solving problems related to underwater-radiated noise (URN). SSPAs experts are contributing with more research in this area. In August, a new paper will be published in the well-known journal Ocean Engineering.
To combine passion for sports with expertise in science and engineering
Modern Finn dinghies are flexible in sections of the hull. The subjective perception of the sailors is that this makes the boat faster in waves. In a research project together with Chalmers Sports & Technology and Max Salminen, a two-time Swedish Olympic sailor and current World Champion, SSPA will attempt to verify this.
The way forward for maritime digitalisation
One of the research projects that our experts share knowledge in, is the EU-funded project EfficienSea2. Recently this project concluded the findings from three years of research of maritime digitalisation. The project has involved 32 European partners and has developed solutions such as the Maritime Connectivity Platform in order to create a more secure and seamless data exchange in the maritime world.
Open positions
We are now looking for a new employee; Business Controller. Join SSPA and you will become an important member of a global company where we help our clients become high-performance companies. With exciting opportunities available across our diverse workforces, we are looking for good communicators and innovative problem solvers. Are you one of them?
SSPA Highlights
The latest issue of our company magazine, SSPA Highlights 65, has been published. Read about; Hull air lubrication: future and challenges, Assessing costs for new Swedish icebreakers: a 25-year perspective, The Nobel Prize and its implication for mariners’ health and performance, Maritime spatial planning and ship routeing systems, Strategic research plan for hydrodynamics, Ongoing hydrodynamic research project.
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Hull air lubrication: future and challenges
The goal of reducing fuel consumption, enforced by international regulations and high fuel costs, is motivating ship designers to investigate revolutionary ideas or re-visit old techniques and apply them using new technologies. Hull line optimisation and propulsion system improvements are common practice for achieving this goal, but what if we can eliminate resistance (at least partially) at its source.
Maritime spatial planning and ship routeing systems
The high and rapidly increasing demand for maritime space for different purposes, as well as the multiple pressures on coastal resources, requires an integrated planning and management approach. Rerouteing of shipping lanes and the introduction of new routing systems may be needed to ensure high maritime safety and sustainable co-existence of various marine activities. SSPA’s toolbox and experience assist planning and maritime authorities to prepare sustainable and efficient plans.
Assessing costs, a 25-year perspective
Renewing Sweden’s icebreaker fleet is a major infrastructure initiative. The existing icebreakers have been in operation for almost 50 years and the new icebreakers are expected to have a similar lifetime. Operational costs for such a long lifetime have a huge impact on the vessels’ total life cycle costs. Based on a number of investigations of key features, SSPA has conducted life cycle cost assessment of a new Swedish icebreaker.
Strategic research plan for hydrodynamics
Knowledge-based organisations like SSPA constantly have to adapt to a changing world. Our strategic research plans help us to set the direction and to break down the challenges into manageable goals. Structured research and development is a prerequisite for continuing to support our clients and partners with leading edge, innovative and sustainable maritime solutions.
Ongoing hydrodynamic research projects
At SSPA, our specialists are involved in research and development in parallel with their commercial commitments. In this way, there is a direct link between R&D and commercial application. Four of our hydrodynamic experts will here present examples of ongoing hydrodynamic research projects intended to improve today’s methods in different areas.
The Nobel Prize and its implication for mariners’ health and performance
In 2017, the Nobel Prize in physiology/ medicine was awarded to the discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm, mostly affected by light, controls our alertness and sleepiness during the day. We can all benefit from knowing how to use light to maximise our performance, but it is even more important for mariners who are working and living 24 hours a day in a harsh environment.
Electrification, new pre-study
The needs and possibilities of electrification within shipping is analysed in a pre-study, conducted in a Swedish collaborative project. The aim is to give an overview of the technical development within electrification of sea transportation and analyse parameters that influence the performance and costs. The study also investigate the perspective of industry actors regarding their drivers for maritime electrification as well as existing challenges.
Developing innovative waterway solutions
SSPA are working with projects on the development of innovative logistics solutions and energy efficient vessel concepts for increased use of sea transportation in general and inland waterway transportation in particular. Within this area, SSPA has a large role in two large collaborative Interreg projects, NÖKS II and IWTS - Inland Waterway Transport Solutions.
fw – the unknown factor
Legislation on the EEDI requires the determination of a “weather factor” – fw – reflecting the percentage of its calm-water speed that a ship can maintain in Beaufort 6 and corresponding waves. The higher the fw value, the smaller the speed loss and the better the ship will perform in a seaway. But how do we determine this unknown fw factor, and how do we strike a balance between accuracy and costs? As a member of ITTC, SSPA is actively involved in developing guidelines.
Battery hybrid applied to marine propulsion
The maritime industry is currently experiencing a significant increase of interest in battery hybrid installations for new buildings and retrofits. A number of recent projects show that SSPA has the tools and knowledge to answer these questions and to evaluate different alternatives for propulsion, from batteries and fuel tanks to propellers.
Investigating maritime accidents
SSPA assisted with an investigation of the tragic accident that occurred at the Port of Genoa, Italy in May 2013. A ship backed into a port control tower, causing it to collapse and killing nine people. By simulating the accident and running alternative scenarios, SSPA were able to give our clients thorough understanding of the events as well as important documentation to use in the legal process.
Our test facilities
Physical model testing will continue to be an important tool in the process of developing ships and assessing their performance. SSPA has the capability to perform most kinds of model testing in its facilities: the towing tank, the large cavitation tunnel, the seakeeping and manoeuvring basin and combine with computer tests.