The Maritime Safety Research Centre (MSRC) is an industry-University partnership, involving Strathclyde’s Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, and DNV GL, the world’s leading classification society. As the world’s first centre of its kind, the MSRC will aim to improve safety at sea – a critical area of research following a number of fatal tragedies in recent years.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said, “I am delighted to launch this maritime centre with our international industry partners.
“The new Centre has been recognised as a unique collaboration and is focused on having a globally positive impact for the maritime industry, for those that work at sea and sea-going passengers.
“This innovative centre further cements our reputation for world-leading expertise in maritime safety and risk, and will play a critical role in influencing the development of shipping safety legislation.”
Dracos Vassalos, Professor of Maritime Safety at Strathclyde and MSRC Director, said, “Safety and risk are key drivers affecting international shipping – both for cruise liners and cargo, and other commercial shipping, including floating vessels for offshore oil and gas.
“The new Centre will support the development and nurture the implementation of life-cycle risk management, accounting rationally and formally for all cost-effective measures of risk reduction that lead to sustainable, cost-effective safety improvement for new and existing ships and offshore assets.
“We are also supporting the development of a modern regulatory framework to uphold and nurture safety culture.
“Working side-by-side with our partners in industry, we will accelerate the development of safety research at national and international levels, improving its impact, and ultimately, making our oceans safer for passengers and industry alike.”
The MSRC will involve close collaboration between Strathclyde, DNV GL – the world’s leading classification society and advisor to the global maritime, energy, and oil and gas industries – and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, one of the world’s largest cruise line operators.
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL, said, “The world of shipping is undergoing a major transformation.
“Moving forward, our industry will still be at the heart of global trade, bringing people together and keeping the world’s economy growing.”
But the industry itself, the vessels, the infrastructure, and the systems that connect them are likely to change substantially – as will regulatory and societal pressure with regards to maritime safety.”
MSRC research areas will include: safety and security of complex systems on-board ships; dynamic barrier management; ship stability; safety culture; fire protection and prevention; and blackout prevention.
Professor Vassalos added: “Our research activities are strategically-focused, ensuring that academic excellence is combined with strong industrial engagement.”
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