Research, Development and Innovation
More than 75 years of experience and research place SSPA at the forefront of maritime research, development and innovation (RDI). SSPA lead and participate in projects and our staff combine consulting work with research to suit the maritime industry’s need for RDI. For our full-time researchers, the focus is on research projects and method development, including Ph.D. studies in some cases.
SSPA collaborates with universities, research organisations and industry and has a well-established scientific network. We initiate and lead EC-funded and national research projects. Special attention is given to international research cooperation such as the EU Horizon 2020 programme.
SSPA has expertise in many maritime areas. Our RDI activities include the following:
- Development of new methods and techniques
- Innovation implementation
- Knowledge development
- Scientific networking
- Support of business development
Contacts
Ph.D. (Tech. Management and Economics), M.Sc. (Mech. Eng.), M.Sc. (Business Admin.)
Strategies for coping with slow-steaming, new paper
The trend of reduced sailing speed, or slow-steaming, presents shippers with new, complex challenges. SSPA has together with Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg studied how the Swedish industry has met and managed these challenges. The study has recently been published in Journal of Shipping and Trade.
Modern keel types for sailing yachts
Have you ever reflected over the different types of bulbs chosen for yacht keels? Today there is no general agreement on which bulb type is preferred for different types of yachts and very little scientific investigation has been done in this area. SSPA and Chalmers have carried out a study, where the hydrodynamic performance of different types of bulb keels were systematically evaluated. A paper is published in the International Journal of Small Craft Technology (IJSCT), a RINA Publication.
Sustainable Marine Methanol solutions for smaller vessels
SUMMETH, the Sustainable Marine Methanol project, which investigated and advanced development of methanol engine and fuel solutions for smaller ships, has recently been completed and the final reports are now available. SSPA was project manager and contributed with environmental assessments, feasibility of sustainable methanol supply, and safety assessment.
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.
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.
Guiding the way to sustainable shipping
The GreenPilot project final seminar will be held in Gothenburg in May and SSPA is one of the a partners. By paving the way both technically and from a regulatory perspective GreenPilot has opened up new opportunities in clean coastal shipping and further profiled Sweden as a cutting edge player in green propulsion.
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.
MaRINET2, providing support
The Marine Renewables Infrastructure Network is composed of 39 organisations who collaborate to progress offshore renewable energy technologies in Europe. It aims to accelerate the development of wave, tidal and offshore wind energy technologies and infrastructure by opening up access to 57 test facilities. The project is supported by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme.
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.