NASA Welding Technologies Could Revolutionize Workboat Fabrication
Solid-State Welding Processes Being Developed for NASA Manufacturing Programs Could Significantly Reduce Workboat Fabrication CostsWhether it is for a tug boat, cargo vessel, or an offshore supply ship, much of the workboat fabrication industry is located along the Southern Coast of the U.S. But a visit to any one of the workboat facilities in that area (or any other in the country) would reveal antiquated and archaic fabrication processes used seventy years ago. The workboat manufacturing process is very expensive, labor intensive, and has not really changed since World War II.
Fuel Efficiency, Reduced Emissions for Maritime
Ferries and ocean going vessels can now sail more efficiently, save fuel, and reduce their CO2 emissions by using the Automated Draft Indicator System (ADIS). Weir-Jones Engineering Ltd. has recently released the third generation of this innovative marine technology. ADIS defines the position of the static water plane relative to the vessel. In this way, the position of any part of the ship relative to the water plane can be accurately determined. Based on these measurements, the position and orientation of the vessel including the draught, freeboard, heel and trim are precisely established. The calculations are carried out in real-time and these parameters are continuously updated and displayed.
