Wave of US Marine Innovation Heading to the UK
A wave of cutting edge U.S. maritime innovations will be highlighted in Southampton, U.K. this October during three specialist one day events for the sub IMO / sub 24 meter professional sector. The unique NEXT GENERATION Workshops bring together an international group of experts armed with the latest knowledge to identify problems that affect the maritime sector worldwide – and highlight potential solutions.
Workshop Lead John Haynes said, “We focus on viable innovation and using people’s time effectively. We also know that having the right people onboard is essential and there is no substitute for meeting the experts face to face when asking the hard questions. We are really proud to welcome onboard this great group of innovators from across the Atlantic.”
SKYDEX Technologies from the U.S. is a global leader in impact mitigation and cushioning solutions with technology installed in over 20,000 military vehicles and 6,000 marine craft. Utilizing unique geometries and polymers, SKYDEX engineers have developed shock mitigating seat cushions for the marine sector ranging from ‘jockey-style’ seating on open RIBs to ‘truck-style’ seating on cabin vessels. SKYDEX CEO and President James Taylor said, “SKYDEX seating solutions are particularly suitable for vessels unable to accommodate mechanical suspension seating due to weight, footprint and cost. Our proprietary technology is ideal for marine applications as it is engineered to excel in the harshest conditions.”
WING Inflatables from the US specializes in designing and manufacturing four types of RIB sponsons or tubes. Air, Air / Foam, Hybrid and Foam sponsons can be made to fit virtually any design of RIB. WING partners with some of the finest RIB builders in the world and currently provide sponsons for approximately 90 percent of U.S. military RIBs. WING CEO and President Andrew Branagh said, “The U.S. Department of Defense approached WING about producing Combat Rubber Raiding Craft using the same materials as WING sponsons. After supporting a full conversion by the US Air Force, Wing is currently in production to supply up to 1,500 inflatable boats to the US Army and 2100 boats to the U.S. Navy.”
The SHOXS engineering team from Canada work closely with suppliers to develop a wide range of technology led products to meet the shock mitigation requirements of boat builders and end user organizations. SHOXS will be explaining the technologies that placed them first in the grueling selection process for shock mitigated seating solutions to 60 Royal Navy Pacific 24 MkIV RIBs. SHOXS CEO and President Paul Taylor said, “The entire team at SHOXS are committed to leading safety standards and reducing injury to those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country and communities including maritime security, search and rescue, law enforcement and commercial operations.”
Boat builders and specialist component manufacturers now recognize that they need to work together to develop next generation systems that fit the rapidly changing requirements of modern fleets. The unique knowledge gained from these workshop sessions will help to shape long term decisions that lead to improvements for in-service systems and procurement of next generation vessels.
NEXT GENERATION Workshop topics are relevant to Workboats, Pilot Boats, Patrol Boats, Search & Rescue, Wind Farm Support, Fishing, Survey Vessels, Superyacht Tenders and the emerging market for Unmanned Surface Vessels. Workshop attendees include Boat Builders, Equipment Manufacturers, Service Providers, Designers and Classification Societies.
