BESST in class: Lloyds Register ODS launches into giant EU research project

BESST - Breakthrough in European Ship and Shipbuilding Technologies - is a collaborative project funded by the European Union, which involves over sixty of the leading shipyards, classification societies, universities, research institutions and consultants in Europe and is led by the Italian yard Fincantieri.

At the start of the project, ODS is drawing up noise and vibration criteria for ships, designed to protect the communities and environment which surround harbours.

Early next year, ODS will then help owners and yards achieve these criteria as cost-effectively as possible by defining state of the art control and management for ship noise in the air and under water.

Dr. Graeme Keith, Special Projects Manager, is heading ODS's activities. He says: "The sheer scope of BESST is a unique opportunity in itself.

“Having so many different stakeholders around the table means we have much greater scope for optimising solutions so that the end product is substantially better for everyone involved. Of course, such a diverse set of interests has its challenges, too. But we're used to this kind negotiation: crafting the right technical solution to balance and resolve the tensions between different commercial needs. We're right at home!"