SMMI continues to engage with Industry
Since the SMMI launch in March, contact has been made with well over a hundred new companies, both large multi-national and local SME's. The focus is on the development of long-term relationships and continuing to nurture well-established links with companies such as Condor Ferries and Wightlink.
TSL Ltd is another company that has close links with SMMI through an approved KTP looking at developing new generation inverters for offshore renewable applications. A second KTP with this company, looking at the application of CFD to hydro renewable device design, is currently being sought. Approval of another KTP with Haydale Ltd looking into the use of graphene for anti-fouling coatings is also confirmed with three new maritime proposals in preparation.
SMMI has also been working with the TSB and Transport KTN to promote the £8M Vessel Efficiency Fund, of which five collaborative applications with companies are currently under discussion. A former KTP Partner, CJR Propulsion, presented their collaboration with the University at the London information event, along with B9 Shipping who also favourably referenced the invaluable support received from the University, for their project.
There has also been enormous success from an EC funding point of view, with three new maritime projects starting this year. The University has been engaged with seven different applications relating to vessel efficiency & safety and port logistics. SMMI representatives were also invited to co-Chair 'The Ocean of Tomorrow' calls session at this year's FP7 Waterborne Brokerage Event in Santiago de Compostella.