Tag: #marine

Suretank nurtures Louth engineering talent with bursary programme

Suretank, the leading provider of modular and tank solutions for global infrastructure, pharma, marine and energy companies, has announced the expansion of its bursary programme to include two additional bursaries to support the next generation of engineering talent. The bursary programme has now been named The Tom Moody Programme for Engineering Talent, a reflection of the legacy left by Suretank’s General Manager, Tom Moody, who died earlier this year.

The expansion of the bursary programme marks Suretank’s 30th anniversary in business. It follows the company’s recent announcement that it is creating 80 new jobs in the Louth region, strengthening its commitment to investing in the community and driving further business growth. As demand for engineering talent in Ireland remains high, the programme will ensure Suretank continues to develop its own in-house engineering talent, serving a global customer base. The company’s engineering department boasts 30 engineers with expertise in mechanical, electrical and structural engineering.

The Tom Moody Programme for Engineering Talent will now become an annual partnership with Dundalk institute of Technology (DkIT). It is designed to support engineering students in their academic journey and includes the payment of college fees and expenses, along with paid work placements throughout the year in Suretank’s cutting-edge facilities in Louth. Additionally, recipients receive guided mentorship to ensure they develop the practical skills and expertise necessary to thrive in their careers.

This extension builds on the success of the company’s first bursary, launched in October last year, and reflects Suretank’s ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of talent and supporting the local community. It comes in addition to Suretank’s apprenticeship programme, which last year saw one of its apprentices, Jamie Kirwan, named Apprentice of the Year Award (Electrical) at the Generation Apprenticeship Ireland Awards.

Applications are open to third-year students at Dundalk Institute of Technology studying for degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Architectural Technology. Click here for more information and to apply.

Dymphna Conlon, People & Organisation Development (P&OD) Manager said:

“At Suretank, we are deeply committed to empowering the next generation of engineers while giving back to the community that has supported us for the last 30 years. Expanding our bursary programme reinforces our long-term investment in the local region, providing students with a valuable opportunity to gain a head start in their careers.

“This initiative also honours the legacy of our colleague, Tom Moody, who was a strong believer in nurturing talent and his dedication and spirit left a lasting impact on all of us. By offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and the skills needed to succeed, these bursaries celebrate his memory in the most meaningful way—by supporting the future of engineering talent. More than just financial assistance, this is our ongoing commitment to people, progress, and the potential within our community.”

BluePoint is A Free Irish Phone App to Combat Plastic Pollution

Created under the EU-funded BluePoint Project, the app leverages cutting-edge technologies to tackle marine plastic waste while fostering innovative solutions.

Co-director of the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems at UL, Professor Gerard Dooly, said the new app, which is available for iPhone and Android, could also create a pathway for recycling plastic pollution collected along Ireland’s 3,172 kilometres of coastline – the longest coastline per head of population in Europe. “Employing drones equipped with sensors, the app leverages cutting-edge technologies such as infrared (IR), multispectral imaging, LiDAR, and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and locate plastic waste in natural environments, particularly beaches and can scan vast areas to pinpoint the exact locations of plastic debris,” he said.

Prof Dooly said anyone with a suitable camera-equipped drone could scan any area and upload the data and disclosed that commercial partners plan to incorporate the project’s outcomes, using recycled raw materials to drive a circular economy and promote industry-wide sustainability. “In minutes, the BluePoint app identifies pollution hotspots and can even locate items as small as a bottle cap. BluePoint enables communities to keep their coastlines free of plastic pollution, and we can link them up with companies who can commercialise this waste – it’s a win-win for everybody,” he added.

Team member Mr. Jose Alvarez said the app features an intuitive user interface, making it easy for anyone to navigate and contribute to cleanup efforts. “On top of that, BluePoint offers an augmented reality (AR) mode, allowing users to visualise the plastic waste in real-time and better understand its impact on the environment.

Prof Dooly said BluePoint is more than just an app, describing it as a powerful environmental conservation tool. “By engaging the public and providing them with the necessary information and resources, we can collectively make a significant difference in protecting our oceans and beaches.”

BluePoint is available for download on iOS https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/blue-point/id6720749903 and https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glorystats.bluepoint&hl=en_IE

To learn more about the project and how you can get involved, visit  https://www.bluepointproject.eu/the-project.htm.

More tech news

New AR glasses allow Yara Marine Technologies to provide remote service and training. #Yara #AR

Augmented reality (AR) provides interactive access to vessel environments, like a ship’s engine room. With limited vessel access during COVID-19, Yara Marine Technologies implemented AR technology for virtual vessel access.

“We have been experimenting with AR glasses for some time. When the pandemic stopped our service engineers from boarding vessels, we had the alternative ready. With AR technology we have the visual field of the ship’s crew members on our monitors. While talking to the crew we can make markings, draw, and add text to the various engine parts they are looking at. This is useful when giving instructions and a very efficient way of training. It allows us to offer the best expertise available to every one of our clients across the globe, at any time, thereby increasing the quality and responsiveness of our services, said Aleksander Askeland, CSO at Yara Marine Technologies.

AR creates a wide range of new business opportunities and has the potential to revolutionise many work processes. Yara Marine Technologies is now seizing the potential by using AR glasses to provide remote service and training to customers.

Continuous development

AR glasses are evolving fast with many different providers and functionalities to choose from. While this broadens the scope for how the technology may be employed, testing and development are required in order to identify potential challenges and to continuously optimise usage.

AR glases on monitor

– We recently completed a successful test run with our engineers in Shanghai using AR glasses to provide crew training in Japan. They tested a range of different functionalities with great results, such as the ability to draw instructions in the visual field of the crew being trained. There were some challenges with internet connectivity in the deepest parts of the vessel, especially in the engine room, which acted as a Faraday cage. However, these issues are now resolved as we continuously innovate and improve the system, said Jesper Hellström, Head of Research and Development at Yara Marine Technologies.

Using AR to reduce costs and establish greener business practices

The use of AR glasses comes with several benefits since it removes the reliance on extensive travelling. It also reduces costs, in terms of both time and expenses, and leaves a smaller carbon footprint.

– AR glasses are digital tools that will enable us to provide service and training in a more effective and agile way. Just the other day we did a yard inspection with workers walking around for us with AR glasses while receiving different instructions. For our customers, AR technology results in increased value of services received. In addition, less need for travelling will cut costs for all parties involved, and decrease the emissions associated with our work. That means a lot to a green tech company like ours, concluded Askeland.