Can you imagine a bridge made only out of pasta and glue holding more than 300kg? AMC’s Maritime Engineering students hold a record of 327kg. This year (2021) you could watch the annual Pasta Bridge Competition virtually as 9 teams competed for the strongest bridge.
The pasta bridge competition is problem based learning activity in Mechanics of Solids, a second year unit offered by AMC’s National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics. Each team of 4 students spends 2 months use their engineering knowledge and skills to design, build designing and constructing a bridge from pasta to see how much weight it could withstand before ultimately breaking into a thousand pieces.
The bridges are designed and constructed according to an international set of rules developed by the Okanagan College in Canada. The bridges must be exclusively made from pasta and glue, must span over a 1000 mm gap and weigh less than 1000 grams. The bridge which holds the largest weight before failure is declared the winner.
Congratulations to Team Gnocchi Balboa for being crowned 2021 AMC Pasta Bridge Competition Champions with an amazing competition load of 156.55kg at Australian Maritime College in Tasmania.
The competition was kindly sponsored by Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) Perth Branch.
Ian Wilson receiving his well-deserved Certificate of Appreciation.
Last week Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) Perth Branch and Engineers Australia launched the long-awaited Subsea Competency Framework to the public – an event originally planned to be held early 2020. It was a fantastic night, and it was great to see so many professionals and companies acknowledged for their tremendous efforts in launching this framework (view full list here).
This development has been a voluntary collaboration between experienced subsea engineering professionals and companies involved in Subsea Engineering in Australia and abroad. This Framework was developed with the intent for Subsea Engineering to be recognised as an Area of Practice (AoP) by Engineers Australia.
The initial Framework has been designed to recognise Chartered Professional Engineers and it is in the process of extending to encompass the entire career of all involved in Subsea, from students through to Subject Matter Experts including Engineering Technologists and Engineering Associates.
One of the benefits of this Framework is it can be used as a career planning tool and personal recognition as a competent subsea engineer, which is recognised in Australia and Internationally. The SECF provides individuals and engineering graduates considering a career in subsea engineering with a framework from which a personal development plan can be formulated. Individuals can create their own personal development plan (49 profiles within the SECF – see more here) and align it with their employers training and development program if appropriate.
Thank you to all who contributed along the way and a special thank you to Ian Wilson for his dedication and continued efforts to make this happen.
It’s ‘all systems go’ for the Society for Underwater Technology’s (SUT’s) foundation-level virtual Subsea Awareness Course (SAC) being presented over 15-hours on five mornings by leading industry figures. The virtual course is based on SUT’s highly successful face-to-face 5-day course from which more than a thousand delegates have benefited over more than 20 years.
The interactive sessions will run from 10:00 until 13:00 on 7-11 June 2021 with open sessions before and after enabling delegates to network and discuss the topics under review. Registration is at www.sut.org/branch/london/virtual-subsea-awareness-course/
As Cheryl Burgess, Chief Executive of SUT explained:
“The virtual SAC is aimed at new entrants who are already technically qualified but just entering the offshore energy industry and/or the subsea sector; at technically qualified experienced personnel undergoing a technology transfer and conversion process into the subsea sector; and at non-technical personnel from legal or finance sectors who regularly deal with the subsea sector.”
Sessions will cover over the five mornings will cover Subsea Production Equipment & Systems; Flow Assurance; Pipeline & Risers; Constructions & Installation; Metocean; Renewables and Future Technology Trends; and Operation, Maintenance & Decommissioning.
Cheryl Burgess added:
“We’re looking forward to the type of positive feedback from delegates as we get for the face-to-face SAC which over and over again has included comments such as:
“Great course and great instructors”
“Well organised and the presenters made learning about subsea enjoyable”
“A great course from which to gain a thorough understanding of the existing technologies that can help solve current problems”
“This course increased subsea vision and understanding”
“Extremely helpful and definitely recommended for people of all disciplines”
“The presenters were excellent, and the course material was at a very professional level”
“It helped me improve and consolidate my existing knowledge”
The course fee for SUT members is £715 (with this discounted price also available to EEEGR, OES and EIC members; and £845 for non-members (excluding VAT where chargeable); the specialist presenters from across the sector including operators, contractors, and technology suppliers will be announced shortly.
The Society for Underwater Technology’s (SUT’s) first virtual introductory course on Offshore Wind Renewable Energy, developed in conjunction with Cranfield University, will be held in just over a week (the mornings of 5 and 6 May). Registrations, from the UK and overseas, for the inaugural course, include a broad range of people reflecting the SUT’s aim to attract both professional non-engineering staff and engineers/ technical staff new to the sector or making the transition from another industry. Registration and course details are at www.sut.org/event/virtual-offshore-wind-course/
As Cheryl Burgess, SUT’s Chief Executive explained:
“We are delighted by the response. Those already booked onto the inaugural course include a military officer planning a career move; an academic; business development and sales specialists; a PR consultant; an environmental manager; geologists, geophysical and geotechnical specialists; and engineers – primarily from the offshore oil and gas industry – specialising in subsea engineering; mechanical engineering, decommissioning, coastal engineering; and a student about to graduate.
“This is just the mix we had been hoping for. We ask applicants to explain why they will be attending, and the majority put it very simply: “I want to know more about offshore renewables both for professional development and future employment prospects”. We are looking forward to even more applications in the coming days.
“I would like to thank Dave Brookes, Past President and Director of our Learned Society, for this hard work in developing this course.”
Presenters over the two days are Judith Patten MBE, President SUT and Project Director, All-Energy; Miriam Noonan, Manager, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult); Kat Route-Stephens, Senior Consultant, MarineSpace; Partrac (speaker tbc); Phil Hart, Professor and Director Energy and Power, Cranfield University; Mick Cook, Director, MCL and SUT, past chair SUT OSIG Committee; Dave Brookes, Past President and Director, SUT; Elaine Greig, CTO, Renewables Consulting Group, and Una Brosnan, Offshore New Markets Manager, Mainstream Renewable Power; Co-chair Friends of Floating Wind; and a RenewableUK Board Member.
Down to detail
The Offshore Wind Course comprises eight modules over the two days. Following a brief introduction, Day 1 looks at ‘Wind and the Net Zero Challenge including Deepwater Floating Potential; ‘Planning, Environmental Studies and Approvals’; ‘MetOcean/Weather: UK and NW Europe Focus Including Deepwater for Floating Technology’; and ‘Fixed Bottom Offshore Structure Design and Integrity’.
Day 2 begins with ‘Offshore Site Investigation and Seabed Site Foundations’; followed by ‘Construction and Cables’; ‘Floating Wind Structures’; and ‘Completion, Post Installation and Ongoing Operation’. Fuller details on the content of each module and background to the speakers is at www.sut.org/event/virtual-offshore-wind-course/
Presentations by experts will fill four hours on each morning, with time set aside on both days for questions and discussion. Course fees are £325 for SUT members (EEEGR, OES and EIC members also benefit from the discounted rate) and £415 for non-Members (excluding VAT where chargeable). CPD credits will be available.
Don Walsh (front) on his expedition to the bottom of the Mariana Trench.
The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and The Marine Technology Society (MTS) announce the second annual Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration is now open. Nominations must be received by 31 May 2021.
LONDON, UK and WASHINGTON, DC – Awarded jointly by both societies, the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application, or propagation of marine/ underwater technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration. The award is named in honour of Captain (Ret) Don Walsh, an accomplished American oceanographer, explorer, retired naval officer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste on January 23, 1960 when it made a record descent into the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest point of the world’s oceans. Dr. Edie Widder, an MTS member, won the inaugural award in 2020.
The judging panel, comprised of the presidents and three members from each society, will reflect diversity in demographics, sector and discipline. In addition, Dr. Edie Widder, MacArthur Fellow, a deep-sea explorer, and conservationist known for her expertise in oceanographic research and technological innovation and her commitment to reversing the worldwide trend of marine ecosystem degradation, will join the judging panel.
“A pioneer, outstanding Naval officer, mentor and influencer is how I describe Don Walsh. MTS is proud to join SUT in this award that recognizes an individual who is pushing the limits of ocean exploration,” said Zdenka Willis, President of MTS
“Don Walsh has been an inspirational role model for six decades, we are looking for a winner whose achievements will similarly inspire early career marine technologist, scientists and engineers,” said Judith Patten MBE, President of the SUT.
The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) has launched a virtual introductory offshore wind course featuring acknowledged industry and academic experts as presenters and in association with Cranfield University. It is designed with two specific groups in mind: professional non-engineering staff, who would benefit from understanding the offshore wind energy industry; and for engineers and technical staff new to the sector or making the transition from another industry. The first course, comprising two mornings of presentations and Q&A, will be held on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th May 2021. https://bit.ly/3u6PERh
Presenters over the two days are Judith Patten MBE, President SUT and Project Director, All-Energy; Miriam Noonan, Manager, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult); Kat Route-Stephens, Senior Consultant, MarineSpace; Jo Elver-Evans, Business Development Manager, Partrac; Phil Hart, Professor and Director Energy and Power, Cranfield University; Mick Cook, Director, MCL and SUT, past chair SUT OSIG Committee; Dave Brookes, Past President and Director, SUT; Elaine Greig, CTO, Renewables Consulting Group, and Una Brosnan, Offshore New Markets Manager, Mainstream Renewable Power; Co-chair Friends of Floating Wind; and a RenewableUK Board Member.
As Cheryl Burgess, Chief Executive of SUT explains:
“SUT is an international Learned Society with members in 40 countries. It covers all aspects of marine science and engineering involved in the seabed, the water column and surface piercing structures.
“An increasing number of our corporate and individual members in the UK and overseas are involved with the rapidly expanding global offshore wind industry. This new course with its stellar line-up of industry and academic experts, follows in the footsteps of our highly successful face-to-face five-day Subsea Awareness Course, designed for the offshore oil and gas industry, which has seen over a thousand delegates during more than 20 years. It too has turned virtual, with the first five-morning course taking place in early June.
“The offshore wind course marks our first steps in our own energy transition as we diversify from solely developing training courses designed for the offshore oil and gas industry. I would particularly like to thank Dave Brookes, a former President of the SUT and its Hon Secretary, for his hard work in developing this new course.”
Down to detail
The Offshore Wind Course comprises eight modules over the two days. Following a brief introduction, Day 1 looks at ‘Wind and the Net Zero Challenge including Deepwater Floating Potential; ‘Planning, Environmental Studies and Approvals’; ‘MetOcean/Weather: UK and NW Europe Focus Including Deepwater for Floating Technology’; and ‘Fixed Bottom Offshore Structure Design and Integrity’.
Day 2 begins with ‘Offshore Site Investigation and Seabed Site Foundations’; followed by ‘Construction and Cables’; ‘Floating Wind Structures’; and ‘Completion, Post Installation and Ongoing Operation’. Fuller details on the content of each module can be found at https://bit.ly/3u6PERh
Presentations by experts will fill four hours on each morning, with an additional 30 minutes before and after the presentations set aside on both days for questions and discussion. Course fees are £325 for SUT members; and £415 for non-Members (excluding VAT where chargeable). It is CPD approved. Registration for the virtual Offshore Wind Course is at https://bit.ly/3u6PERh
Barry Carruthers, Director of Hydrogen, ScottishPower
Hydrogen, hydrogen, hydrogen… hardly a day passes without a story about hydrogen in the press and on social media. The appetite for information on H2 is seemingly insatiable, which is why the 30th webinar in the All-Energy/Dcarbonise series will be ‘Hydrogen: From Hype to Reality’. Sponsored by ScottishPower it takes place at 10:00 am, aptly on 30 March. Registration is open at https://bit.ly/38VlAQu.
Chaired by Barry Carruthers, Director of Hydrogen at ScottishPower the webinar will focus on real projects that are underway and will lay the groundwork for regional transformation, as well as the influence of the larger market-shaping factors of the hydrogen economy into the next decade. It will feature Dr Eugene McKenna, Managing Director Green Hydrogen, Johnson Matthey; Joanne Allday, Strategic Business Development Manager, Port of Cromarty Firth; Johnathan Reynolds, Director / Co-Founder, Hydrogen East; Abigail Dombey, Chair, Hydrogen Sussex; and Simon Ellis, Head of Global Gas Analysis, ICIS. as panelists.
Barry Carruthers explained:
“The bubble of excitement around the potential benefits from an emerging hydrogen sector is ever increasing. With more than £350m capital grant funding expected to be unleashed by both the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Scottish Government in coming months, the bubble of excitement will quickly have to move to real projects. “The hydrogen supply and demand ecosystem can benefit greatly from the clustering of demand across multiple users and therefore this session focuses on example clusters coming to reality across the UK. Initial phases of these projects may be centred around an immediate customer and use, but each region can highlight a vast and ambitious vision that will greatly impact the nation’s Net Zero goals. “However, to deliver these ambitious projects, the longer-term market dynamics will be critical and forecasting in an emerging market can greatly influence imminent investment decisions. The role of supply chain growth and ambitions of major industrial organisations is a foundation for clean sector jobs, economic value, and hydrogen economy growth across the UK and beyond.”
Portfolio and Event Director, Jonathan Heastie of Reed Exhibitions added:
“We are delighted to host this webinar and thank ScottishPower for bringing us such an interesting angle. This will be our third dedicated-hydrogen webinar since May 2020, but I can guarantee that hydrogen has been mentioned in a good half of all that we have done, such as in last week’s UKRI-sponsored session ‘Decarbonising UK’s industry: A Path to Net-Zero’ which attracted nearly 640 registrations. Like all 29 of our earlier webinars, it is available on-demand at https://forum.all-energy.co.uk/category/webinars/.
“Our earlier webinars have been viewed 18,550+ times and helped to keep interest in both All-Energy and Dcarbonise well and truly alive; with loyal fans and newcomers alike realising what a rich diet of information across a broad range of topics the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference covers. We look forward to welcoming our audience on 30 March and their searching questions.
“We look forward to staging All-Energy and the co-located Dcarbonise at Glasgow’s SEC on 18 and 19 August. The Call for Papers is open on the All-Energy website at www.all-energy.co.uk with a closing date of 31 March 2021.”
The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) has launched a foundation level virtual Subsea Awareness Course (SAC) based on its highly successful face-to-face five-day course which has seen over a thousand delegates during more than 20 years.
As Cheryl Burgess, Chief Executive of SUT explained:
“Like the face-to-face course the 5-session virtual SAC is aimed at new entrants who are already technically qualified but just entering the offshore energy industry and/or the subsea sector; technically qualified experienced personnel undergoing a technology transfer and conversion process into the subsea sector; and non-technical personnel from legal or finance sectors who regularly deal with the subsea sector and are eager to find out more.”
Week 1 of the first virtual SAC will run on the mornings of Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th April; and will be followed by two sessions on 13th and 14th April. The syllabus for the five 3-hour sessions embraces subsea production equipment and systems; flow assurance; pipelines and risers; construction and installation; metocean; renewables and future technology trends; and operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. Future virtual 5-session SACs will be held at regular intervals.
Looking back at responses to the face-to-face course Cheryl Burgess explained:
“The face-to-face SAC has been attended by delegates from across the UK and from further afield including Angola, Azerbaijan, Egypt and Norway from oil and gas operating companies, from major contractors and organisations from throughout the supply chain. The SAC has attracted accolades in plenty – the following being very typical:
A great course from which to gain a thorough understanding of the existing technologies that can help solve current problems
Extremely helpful and definitely recommended for people of all disciplines
The presenters were excellent, and the course material was at a very professional level
Great course and great instructors
Well organised and the presenters made learning about subsea enjoyable
This course increased subsea vision and understanding
It helped me improve and consolidate my existing knowledge
“We are confident that the virtual course, available globally presented by industry leading figures, fills the void resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The virtual course will be presented by specialists from across the sector from operators, contractors, and technology system suppliers, many of whom are recognised Technical Authorities (TA). The course fee for SUT members is £715 and £845 for non-members (excluding VAT where chargeable). It is CPD approved. Registration for the virtual SAC is at https://sut.org/virtual-subsea-awareness-course/
Two other SUT virtual SACs are currently under development, one for the offshore wind industry and the second for the insurance industry. Both will be launched
SUT’s Houston and Perth (Australia) branches also run SAC face-to-face courses dates and details are available on the SUT’s website at www.sut.org.
With less than three weeks before the deadline for nominations for the new Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award announced at The Society for Underwater Technology’s (SUT’s) AGM the countdown is on in earnest. Closing date for nominations is 14 February 2021.
Cheryl Burgess, the SUT’S Chief Executive explained:
“The SUT’s International Panel on Underwater Robotics announced the creation of the Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award (GGURA) at our AGM in mid-December. We are eager to have nominations from around the globe.
“The award will recognise people in the early to mid-stages of their career (and under 40 years old) who have made outstanding contributions to their field in underwater robotics. The range is wide, for the award may be for industry/commercial, research and/or creative activity in underwater robotics. The winner will receive £500, a certificate an engraved award and recognition throughout the SUT’s global membership.”
Nominations or applications for a GGURA must consist of the following documents.
A letter of nomination or application that describes how the candidate meets the criteria.
The letter should be no more than 2-pages in length. Supporter(s) of the nomination/ application may add their signature to this letter or supply an email that indicates their support for the candidate.
A 100-word citation or appraisal of the candidate’s research describing their contributions in a way easily understandable to those outside the discipline.
A curriculum vitae.
All applications/nominations to be received by [email protected] by 14 February 2021.
Announcing the Award, Neil Bose, Chair of the SUT Panel on Underwater Robotics said:
“Members of the Panel on Underwater Robotics were excited by Professor Gwyn Griffiths’ generosity in supporting this award and were especially enthusiastic that it should be an early to mid-career award to encourage the up-and-coming generation of underwater robotics workers in their careers.”
With Gwyn Griffiths MBE, a Past President of the SUT adding:
“As a vibrant, forward-looking learned Society the SUT is at the forefront of encouraging and facilitating international cooperation in Underwater Robotics. From my own career I know that peer-recognition of achievements through an international Award can make a substantial and lasting difference. These have been times for reflection, and by enabling this new Underwater Robotics Award I am delighted to support the innovators of today and tomorrow.”
The new Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award was one of the announcements made at The Society for Underwater Technology’s (SUT’s) Annual General Meeting by the new President of Council, Judith Patten MBE.
“SUT’s International Panel on Underwater Robotics is honoured to announce the creation of the Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award (GGURA). The award recognises people in the early to mid-stages of their career (and under 40 years old) who have made outstanding contributions to their field in underwater robotics. The award may be for industry/commercial, research and/or creative activity in underwater robotics,” she explained.
The winner will receive £500, a certificate and an engraved award.
Neil Bose, Chair of the Panel on Underwater Robotics stated:
“Members of the Panel on Underwater Robotics were excited by Professor Gwyn Griffiths’ generosity in supporting this award and were especially enthusiastic that it should be an early to mid-career award to encourage the up-and-coming generation of underwater robotics workers in their careers.”
Gwyn Griffiths MBE, a Past President of the SUT added:
“As a vibrant, forward-looking learned Society the SUT is at the forefront of encouraging and facilitating international cooperation in Underwater Robotics. From my own career I know that peer-recognition of achievements through an international Award can make a substantial and lasting difference. These have been times for reflection, and by enabling this new Underwater Robotics Award I am delighted to support the innovators of today and tomorrow.”
Nominations or applications for a GGURA must consist of the following documents.
A letter of nomination or application that describes how the candidate meets the criteria. Further information can be found by clicking here.
The letter should be no more than two pages in length. Supporter(s) of the nomination/ application may add their signature to this letter or supply an email that indicates their support for the candidate
A 100-word citation or appraisal of the candidate’s research describing their contributions in a way easily understandable to those outside the discipline
A curriculum vitae
All applications/nominations to be received by 14 February 2021
Other awards and announcements made at the AGM
Dr John Partridge of Sonardyne was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the SUT in recognition of his engineering vision and his commitment to supporting the future of the underwater science and technology community. {Note to Editors: the full citation is attached to this release].
Simon Cheeseman, Sector Lead, Wave & Tidal Energy, at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult was this year’s winner of the Lennard Senior Prize, awarded by SUT’s Marine Renewable Energies Committee (MREC) with its Chairman, Professor John Sharp making the presentation.
Six Members were elected Fellows of the SUT:
Gareth Wood – Services to OSIG (Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics special interest group)
Tim Carrington – Services to OSIG
Andrew Benson – Services to OSIG
Miguel Pacheco Andrade – Services to OSIG
Andrew Hunt – Service to sustainable offshore energy & safety in diving
Vahid Walker – Service to North East Branch & support of early career members.
The registration of the first three SUT Chartered Marine Technologists – Tom Bennetts CMarTech and John Houlder CMarTEch both of Sonardyne, and André Rose CMarTech of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) – was also celebrated.
Finding the Empire Windrush and its iconic anchor
Attendees enjoyed an interesting insight into the life, work and future plans of shipwreck hunter, David Mearns introduced by Immediate Past President, Professor Ralph Rayner. Providing funding is secured David will (giving of his time on a pro bono basis) lead the search for the Empire Windrush, which lies up to 3,000m down at the bottom of the Mediterranean, some 23 nautical miles off the coast of Algeria. The aim is to recover the Empire Windrush’s iconic anchor and bring it back to the UK as an alternative monument to acknowledge the contribution of the Windrush Generation and migration in Britain.
Portions of the meeting including David’s presentation will appear on the SUT’s website shortly at www.sut.org.
As Cheryl Burgess, Chief Executive of SUT explains:
