The Shape Of Things To Come

Kvaerner Launches Major Ship Development Program Utilizing Norwegian, International Research Institute With the assistance of Norwegian and International research ins t i t u t e s , Kvaerner a.s. has launched a ship development program, under which $35 million in projects are already outlined. The three-year plan, according to a Kvaerner official, is aimed at extending Kvaerner's exisiting technology for a number of existing ship varieties, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers. Other designs include container carriers, reefers, product tankers and large, high-speed passenger ferries.

According to the company, Kvaerner is committed to supplying its top technical minds to the projects, but it will also tap the expertise of outside sources, with subcontractors playing a key role.

VAST R1SOURCIS TO TAP Aside from its resources from Kvaerner yards in Britain, Finland, Germany and Norway, the new research program will tap a number of other companies, including Kvaerner Eureka, Kvaerner Energy, Kvaerner Moss Technology, Kvaerner Engineering and Kvaerner Shipping. Companies and organizations outside of the lead company include: Det Norske Veritas, the Sintef research foundation and Germany's Fraunhofer Gesellschaft research institute. The development will range over a broad technological spectrum, including hulls, propulsion machinery, ship's gear and materials technology.

FOOTING THE BILL The research program has reportedly aroused interest in Germany, where the authorities have, according to Kvaerner, expressed their willingness to provide considerable financial support to research on freight logistics and short-sea shipping.

Additionally, the company is looking to the governments of Britain and Scandinavia for research funding. The project also embodies the establishment and use of a high-tech "electronic highway." The system will first be established between the Kvaerner offices, and similar links are expected to be developed among project participants around Europe.

For additional information on the vessel research projects at Kvaerner, Circle 6 on Reader Service Card