Americas News
Modern Metals Could Reduce Vessels' Bunker Bills
A new U.S. public-private partnership announced this week promises to develop lightweight and modern metals that can improve performance, safety, and fuel efficiency of ships and other machinery.
The consortium, known as the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII), will receive $70 million in federal funding, matched by another $70 million from other sources, according to engineering company Comau, which is a consortium member.
Thirty-four companies, nine universities and laboratories, and 17 other organisations will be part of the group, which will be led by the U.S. Department of Defence.
ALMMII will help develop lightweight, high-performing metals and alloys through pre-competitive research and development.
"The institute is a natural avenue to leverage ongoing ABS technology development in next-generation materials, metals and joining technologies," said Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of classification society ABS, which is an ALMMII member.
ABS Chief Technology Officer Todd Grove told industry news site MarineLog that the consortium is a "way to kick start the whole process."
"We're often approached by manufacturers that want to know how to introduce new technologies into practice in the marine industry," he said.
"Our main goal is always how to implement these new technologies safely into the marine environment."
He said ALMMII could help develop more efficient methods for the fabrication of ships and ship components, and could reduce ships' total weight, yielding fuel efficiency improvements.
