Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute appoints Shell Professor
The University of Southampton has appointed ship science expert Dr Dominic Hudson as the Shell Professor of Ship Safety and Efficiency.
Professor Hudson’s research will focus on improving the safety and efficiency of shipping operations. Funded by Shell Shipping & Maritime, this position builds on a technology partnership between Shell and the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute at the University of Southampton that started last year.
“There is a lot of opportunity to improve in the area of ship safety and efficiency performance. Having a leading shipping company such as Shell support us and provide real shipping data can help unlock important breakthroughs,” said Professor Hudson. “This in addition to the new ship science facilities at our Boldrewood Campus, makes it a very exciting time to be involved in ship science at Southampton.”
Dr Grahaeme Henderson, Vice President Shell Shipping & Maritime, said: “With Professor Hudson’s appointment, I am looking forward to strengthening our partnership with the University of Southampton in the area of shipping and maritime safety and efficiency, using new technology and data analysis. Partnering with leading universities and supporting world-class academic research will drive new improvements for Shell’s operations, and also open opportunities across the shipping industry.”
“With about 95 per cent of goods coming into the UK by sea, improvements to make ships more efficient can significantly impact trade here and globally,” said Professor Ajit Shenoi, Director of the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute. “Importantly, that includes helping governments and shipping companies find ways to improve safety and 'greening' of ships.”
A Southampton graduate, Professor Hudson is a Chartered Engineer, and a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Professor Hudson has developed his research interests over the last 20 years in all aspects of ship hydrodynamics – from the motions of high speed craft to the energy efficiency of large commercial ships. He is also a member of the University’s Performance Sports Engineering laboratory, working with UK Sport on projects for Bob Skeleton and British Swimming as well as a long-standing interest in yacht performance.