– Sometimes that means we provide a ship with a lot of our equipment into an integrated solution, such as the oceanographic research ships, or large anchor handler designs. Other times we work with customers to incorporate other technology in a way that can operate within our designs.
– A great recent example of this approach is with our customer Terntank, who to date have ordered nine chemical tankers with our design. With the latest batch of ships, they have opted to use wind-assist technology. We don’t produce these sails, but we work closely with other providers to offer advice and integrate the latest technology. These vessels are the next generation ship and, through a progressive approach to introducing new technologies, we are delivering ships with an energy efficiency index 40 per cent lower than the current IMO requirements.
– Today, our latest ship designs for the offshore energy market address the demanding future requirements of the industry, be that oil and gas or the high-growth arena of offshore wind. Our new range of platform supply vessels and anchor handlers have been designed with a range of features to enable future transition from operating in oil and gas to offshore wind. This means our latest designs are adaptable, enabling owners to respond quickly to changing markets.
– The past 50 years has seen major steps forward in terms of safety, technology and the operational capability. The years to come will see an even faster rate of change amid fuel transition and the growth in clean energy sources. Electrification of ships is becoming more common, and the role of digitisation will play an increasing part in transforming how ships operate. We’ve already designed ships with alternative fuels, battery-powered propulsion and even technology to allow unmanned remote and autonomous operation.
– In addition to our focus on technology and operational aspects, we are passionate about the look and feel of our vessels and challenge ourselves every day to develop vessels that are both attractive and functional.
– It really is an exciting time to be a ship designer, and a unique opportunity to help shape the future of ship design and operation.