Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre "Performance in a Seaway"

Rolls-Royce has during the last ten years developed a model for co-operation with universities and research institutes that aims at promoting research with commercial potential. There is currently about 25 universities and research institutes world-wide that has this relation with Rolls-Royce. The UTC partners are chosen among the top players in the field of interest. The UTCs are long-term relations, typically for ten years.

On May 9th Rolls-Royce, MARINTEK and NTNU celebrated the official opening of a new University Technology Centre (UTC) on "Performance in a Seaway", with the presence of Norway’s Minster for Industry Børge Brende, the Head of Research and Technology of Rolls-Royce Mike Howse, the President of Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine Duncan Forbes and several other high-level people from Rolls-Royce.

Opening of the UTC. From left: the Head of Research and Technology of Rolls-Royce Mike Howse, Marintek ass. dir. Kjell Holden, UTC Director Sverre Steen from NTNU, Norway’s Minster for Industry Børge Brende, and Director for R&T Rolls-Royce Marine Rune Garen

Rolls-Royce Marine, MARINTEK, and NTNU have had a close relationship for more than 30 years, with co-operation in development of propellers, propulsion systems, ship designs, and various types of ship equipment. NTNU department of Marine Technology has been the main provider of engineers and scientists to Rolls-Royce Marine.
For most of the ship designs and ships equipment provided by Rolls-Royce Marine, operation in rather extreme sea conditions is in many ways decisive for the design. You can read more about the background for the establishment of the UTC in the Background section.

The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre "Performance in a Seaway" is a long-term co-operative research program with the following overall objectives:

• To obtain a better, more thorough understanding of the transient loads on hull structure, propellers and propulsors
• To develop reliable prediction tools for transient loads on hull, propellers and propulsors
• To develop a simulation tool for ships in a seaway, including dynamic effects of propulsors. This simulation tool shall be a platform for implementation of tools and knowledge developed in the UTC
• To obtain better knowledge and tools to deal with other aspects of operations in a seaway, like added resistance, loss of propulsive efficiency, roll damping, directional stability and steering
• To improve education and recruitment of new experts in propulsion, propeller design, and seakeeping of ships

Both MARINTEK and NTNU are active in performing the activities of the UTC. You can read more about the organisation and persons involved in the UTC in the Organisation section.