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The 3.3 KV electric generation and distribution systems installed on the Esso Mersey and Esso Clyde are described with reference to design/development choice of system (Comparison 440V and 3.3KV) equipment installation performance documentation and operator training.

The history of the marine steam turbine is described including the Turbinia and the direct drive era the introduction of gearing the transatlantic liners of the inter-war period the dominance of the impulse turbine after World War II the steamship boom of the 1970s and the decline of steam and a final effort by Stal Laval.

A fault diagnostic system for ship machinery plants has been developed by Dutch manufacturers. A test case diagnostic model for a water cooling system of a diesel engine is examined. The model helps to determine the relationship between faults/symptoms and the limits at which faults become unacceptable. The diagnostic model uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to assess faults. Topics include the water cooling of the SW280 engine diagnostic method fault symptom identification simulation models and the simulation of both a healthy and faulty system.

The Dept. of Transport's view is that the replacement where possible of steel by non-metallic materials is inevitable. However any new materials will have to be assessed in relation to - tensile strength ductility fatigue resistance impact abrasion temperature extremes production uniformity ageing characteristics jointing and support reliability repairability non-combustibility and absorption of liquids and vapours. As an example of such a consideration

This paper explores the reliability of gearing designed to Lloyds Register of Shipping (LRS) rules and provides a summary of the implied alignment tolerances used in the design of current gearboxes. Alternatives for measuring mesh misalignment are discussed and the calculation of load distribution and misalignment from the results of tooth root strain measurements is outlined. Experimental results are contrasted with assumed misalignment in the latest marine gear rating standards and the inadequacy of treating helical gears as spur gears is discussed. The paper concludes that significant improvements in load capacity can be achieved if gear design is optimised to take account of operating misalignment and true contact line load distribution.

A series of five Ultimate Container Carriers (UCCs) has recently been commissioned. Apart from the innovative container stowing arrangement in the continuous cell guides without the interruption of hatch covers this paper describes the new developments in machinery installation and in the control and monitoring system. Emphasis is placed on maintenance friendliness ease of operation and reliability. Practical results are presented. The control of all ancillary machines and equipment has been integrated in the ship's monitoring system of which the benefits are explained. The paper also describes how the reliability and availability of the bilge system has been increased for this type of vessel. Some operational experience with these vessels is given.

Static converters were first used for railway applications including the French high speed trains (TGV). Insulated GATE Bipolar Transistors (IGBT) semi-conductors have made the development of a range of high performance converters (ONIX) possible. The advantages of IGBTs are summarised. Cooling systems for different environments are discussed. Progress in control electronics includes surface mounted devices (SMD).

This paper reviews new systems and components available for waterspray fire extinguishing systems which have been developed as a result of Lord Cullen's recommendations to remove design restrictions for water based extinguishing systems on offshore structures. Now that systems can be designed for specific hazards waterspray has become a more effective firefighting tool and can be used in such instances as jet fires and hydrocarbon liquid fires. Target areas for installation include utility areas accommodation areas helidecks and on vessels. Paper includes an index of organisations and companies involved in research and development of waterspray systems.

A well-proven inherently safe nuclear propulsion installation called NEREUS (standing for Natuarlly safe Efficient Reactor Easy to operate Ultimately simple and Small) is discussed in particular its safety features. After some background information the non-nuclear part is touched upon. Next the nuclear part is looked at. This is followed by a consideration of the safety aspects of the High Temperature Reactor with Gas Turbine (HTR-GT) and of the sea-going 'NEREUS installation'.

Four applications of simulation models are discussed - system integration and optimisation intelligent condition monitoring concept exploration studies and simulators for education and training. Examples are given of modelling of diesel engines used for feasibility studies and used for ship propulsion plant analysis and optimisation. Also the implementation of models in engine room simulators is looked at using the diesel engine model as an example. Lastly a comprehensive compressor refrigeration plant model is considered.

This paper describes areas of research into fault diagnosis techniques in marine diesel engine conditioning and performance monitoring with reference to the Royal Aerospace Establishment and Lloyd'd Register's research initiatives. Different operating practices between the two sectors such as use of distillate and residual fuels and different degrees of engine loading patterns are described.

A brief review is given of the history of high-speed craft with emphasis on those which have been powered by aeroderivative marine gas turbines. The technological evolution of aeroderivative gas turbines is brought up to the present day and their applicability to high-speed vessels currently under design for fast passenger and/or car ferries fast cargo ships and high-speed yachts is discussed. A projection of the advances expected in gas turbines is made. Evolving evironmental issues with respect to gas turbines are also presented.

AESOP (all electric seabed oil processing) was conceived in response to the trend towards seabed systems being completely electrically powered and controlled. The removal of the hydraulic umbilical gives AESOP advantages which are all the more significant in deep water and at greater distances from the control centre. The AESOP module is described in detail and the feasibility study and funding are discussed. The AESOP module is a complete seabed processing and boosting system using electricity for motive power and control and has been adapted to suit a particular North Sea oil field. Its incorporation within the AlphaPRIME diverless modular seabed system allows continuous production while any maintenance or change is carried out. The AESOP system incorporates other Thermie funded developments includes REAact (a fail-safe underwater electric actuator for gate valves) the Hydro Webb Connector (a highly reliable underwater high voltage high power connector) and MATE (a multi-bore valved connector).

This paper reviews a number of major offshore losses in order to place Piper Alpha in perspective. Insurance coverages are outlined as is the process of reinsurance. The effect of Piper Alpha on worldwide insurance markets is considered as are its future effects.

Ageing tonnage due to decreased freight rates is assessed by type including aspects of various oil tanker designs such as double hulls wing tanks and the significance of ballast tank location and piping. Bulk carrier design improvements and predictions regarding the impact of future legislation and economics on ageing tonnage are given.

Based on personal experience in offshore design project organisation by Alliances is compared and contrasted with traditional structures particularly in respect of work practices decision making information flow and individual responsibilities. Interaction between members of the Alliance Team is described for design fabrication and installation with special mention of scope for risk/reward and innovation.

Alpha Shipmate A/S have developed a Ship Network System for MAN B&W Alpha Diesel. The system is a network which ensures information transmission in a ship and consists of multiple network units that are connected by a double data link. There is no dedicated network controller and this as well as the double data link ensures a very reliable system. If a network or cable is damaged this is detected by the unit itself or by one of the other units in the system. After replacing the defective unit the other units will automatically configure the new unit and establish a fully operational network.

The paper outlines the key steps in the development of an all-GRP pipe support and walkway system above the upper deck. Details of the design requirements fabrication method quality assurance procedures installation and economic aspects are given and finally the remaining steps to achieve regulatory body approval are described.

A discussion of an information handling system for shipboard planned maintenance management (SPMM). Current systems cannot self-sufficiently present information and are heavily task-centred rather than user-centred. This discussion proposes possible methods of improving the current systems through total information handling. Existing systems are critically examined and their merits and shortcomings identified. A suggestion is then made to incorporate hypermedia technology in order to improve the capability of handling textual information of arbitrary length structure and nature. This will also enable the system to cope with graphical information. Finally a simple pilot system based on the concept is addressed.

Human error is believed to be behind up to 80% of all marine accidents. This fact is partly recognised by the ISM Code and the 1995 STCW amendments. Safety culture is made up to four elements: values that an individual or group has attitudes competencies and patterns of behaviour. Application of the ISM Code should support the development of a safety culture in shipping. The cost of accidents is discussed but there is a lack of economic data and a poor understanding about causation relationships in marine accidents. The effect of training on safety is discussed. A provision for a master to consult on line an independent non-profit scientific consultation research centre (eg a University Department) is proposed. A marine accident database would be central to this provision.