On November 3rd and 4th, Damen Services Brisbane, the Australian service hub for the international Damen Shipyards Group, held a two-day technical seminar that took an in-depth look at the technologies that underpin vessel automation.
Industry professionals from across the region attended the event, where trainers knowledgeable in the design and engineering of a number of Dutch companies specialising in automation, electronics, electrical integration and, of course, shipbuilding discussed the latest developments and future prospects. In this rapidly advancing field, vessel automation is currently a top industry talking point, with its scope to increase efficiency and cut costs by minimising the human element.
Topics covered during the two days included integration, redundant networking, trouble-shooting, bridge controls and functions. Participants were enthusiastic regarding the value and structure of the seminar. The event was positively received and considered a success by those involved:
“Very professional presentation” and “very knowledgeable trainer”.
“I found the whole seminar excellent and well worthwhile. It was excellent for networking with other engineers”.
“Logical and clear explanations, practical model, exercises”.
“I have only just become involved with a Damen Tug so didn’t know what I was getting involved with but are leaving this course feeling much more comfortable with my knowledge of the systems, thanks”.
The seminar encouraged open discussions among the trainers and participants with the aim to improve the clients ongoing handling of their Damen vessel(s) through increased knowledge and experiences obtained during the training. All thoroughly enjoyed the hands on experience with the simulation equipment, in conjunction with the networking that developed over the two days of training. Industry professionals with sound knowledge as well as those with vast knowledge of the systems gained a renewed sense of enthusiasm and skill. It also allowed the participants a chance to provide feedback of their prior experiences of their vessel(s) to allow Damen the provision of improved services in the future.
This is the second technical seminar to be held by Damen Services Brisbane. The first took place on the 3rd and 4th of December 2015, where the topic under discussion was theoretical and practical training by experts on: ICAF (Impressed Current Antifouling System) by Corrosion Water Controls and Hydraulic systems by Doedijns.
Damen Services Brisbane looks forward to hosting more seminars in the near future and many thanks goes to those who contributed.
