Projects

July 2010 the KIA Wind at Sea report was launched. The report is composed by consultants of ATO (project leader), ECN, Imares/WUR, MCN, TNO, TU Delft and We@sea, and the project was initiated by Maritime Campus Netherlands (MCN).

The report KIA ‘Wind at Sea, invest in a sustainable future’ as well as the flyer ‘Work at wind at sea’ (Dutch copies download) describes an integrated approach of research and development, education and enterprises, explaining the opportunities of the Dutch industry and the creation of thousands of jobs.

Especially putting valorization of knowledge into practice is of immense importance.

Since July 2010, MCN started several items as described as conditions to achieve these goals:

• In August 2010 an agreements was signed between MCN, NHL Hogeschool and STC-Group with regard to organizing and implementation of Higher Vocational Education and Intermediate Vocational Education of Offshore Wind Energy.
• Both the Higher Vocational Education Field Study Offshore Wind Energy and the Intermediate Vocational Education Offshore Wind training started September 2011.
• In September 2011 an agreement was signed between MCN, Energy Valley and the Municipality of Den Helder, stating that the National Knowledge Center Offshore Wind Energy will be established in Den Helder and all parties involved will collaborate in the organization and implementation of the Center.

The purpose of the Knowledge Center is to create a platform will activate practicing the valorization of knowledge regarding Offshore Wind Energy and making knowledge available for everybody:

• Research institutes
• Education institutions
• Companies
• Public Authorities
• Everybody who wants to know something about Offshore Wind Energy: recreational – and educational use.

Currently, MCN and partners are preparing a business plan and the first projects will start early 2012.

Develop a market analysis instrument for the long term that structurally generates knowledge with the aim of helping MCN to grow. The result will be the measurably increased participation of the business community in MCN.

Apply the experience gained in practice to provide continuity to commercialisation initiatives by facilitating start-ups and existing businesses as well as spin-in and spin-off activities with an eye to the long term.

Bring entrepreneurs with new products and services on the drawing board together with MCN resources with the aim of establishing and/or developing new businesses, business units or product groups.

Develop an annual activity programme aimed at:

1. Increasing the intake numbers in technical secondary vocational programmes and universities of applied sciences.
2. Improving the image of technical education programmes (branding & career opportunities).
3. Attracting more female students to technical education programmes in Noord Holland Noord.

Target group: Students and teachers of secondary and secondary vocational education institutes in Noord Holland Noord.

The Regional Training Centre Kop van Noord-Holland is developing a Mechatronics programme at the senior secondary vocational level (MBO levels 1 to 4) in close collaboration with the MCN partnership and the customers in the industry.

This demand-based programme is intended to provide a solution for the current and growing shortage of trained Mechatronics engineers in the on-shore and off-shore industries. The programme will be developed and implemented within a period of four years.

Students who complete this programme can continue with the Advanced Mechatronics programme. The programme will be implemented by the Technology department of the new Maritime School and aims to produce 30 mechatronics engineers (MBO level 4) annually.

To increase the percentage of women working in the various maritime sectors. This is an economic necessity in view of the high numbers of people leaving these sectors. The labour market analyses predict a large and increasing shortage of qualified personnel in almost all the sectors in MCN’s focus area, and women have the most labour market potential.

Establishing, developing and the long-term safeguarding of a practical training dockyard for secondary vocational and senior secondary vocational students where industrial situations are simulated.

Sub-goal: additional ‘learning continuity pathway’ for secondary vocational, senior secondary vocational and higher professional education and driven by issues defined by the offshore, light and heavy engineering industries and the Marinebedrijf (Dutch navy’s maintenance company).

Simultaneously offer a hands-on technical experience for primary school children.

July 2010 the KIA Wind at Sea report was launched. The report is composed by consultants of ATO (project leader), ECN, Imares/WUR, MCN, TNO, TU Delft and We@sea, and the project was initiated by Maritime Campus Netherlands (MCN).

The report KIA ‘Wind at Sea, invest in a sustainable future’ as well as the flyer ‘Work at wind at sea’ (Dutch copies download) describes an integrated approach of research and development, education and enterprises, explaining the opportunities of the Dutch industry and the creation of thousands of jobs.

Especially putting valorization of knowledge into practice is of immense importance.

Since July 2010, MCN started several items as described as conditions to achieve these goals:

• In August 2010 an agreements was signed between MCN, NHL Hogeschool and STC-Group with regard to organizing and implementation of Higher Vocational Education and Intermediate Vocational Education of Offshore Wind Energy.
• Both the Higher Vocational Education Field Study Offshore Wind Energy and the Intermediate Vocational Education Offshore Wind training started September 2011.
• In September 2011 an agreement was signed between MCN, Energy Valley and the Municipality of Den Helder, stating that the National Knowledge Center Offshore Wind Energy will be established in Den Helder and all parties involved will collaborate in the organization and implementation of the Center.

The purpose of the Knowledge Center is to create a platform will activate practicing the valorization of knowledge regarding Offshore Wind Energy and making knowledge available for everybody:

• Research institutes
• Education institutions
• Companies
• Public Authorities
• Everybody who wants to know something about Offshore Wind Energy: recreational – and educational use.

Currently, MCN and partners are preparing a business plan and the first projects will start early 2012.

The Regional Training Centre Kop van Noord-Holland is developing a Petrochemical & Offshore programme at the senior secondary vocational level (MBO) in close collaboration with the MCN partnership and relevant industries. This demand-based programme is intended to provide a solution for the current and growing shortage of trained personnel in the Petrochemical and Off-shore industries. The programme will be developed and implemented within a period of four years.

The programme will be designed in close collaboration with the relevant industries. It will be implemented by the Technology department of the new Maritime School and aims to produce 30 skilled engineers (MBO level 4) annually.

A Disaster Management Lectorate in Noord Holland Noord with an international appeal and image and access to a wide network.

This project combines various experts and other contacts. The Maritime, Marine, Environment and Safety Management Lectorate is participating in this concrete project that will lead to the development and concentration of knowledge in the field of disaster management. This will primarily involve the strengthening and long-term safeguarding of the relationship between MCN, NHL University of Applied Sciences and the city of Den Helder (HBO!).

A sub-goal of this project is to contribute to the creation of more and, in particular, lasting relationships between MCN, NHL, businesses and knowledge and other institutes involved in maritime transport and its risks. A lector will be appointed to this lectorate with a focus on Disaster Management. With this appointment, NHL wishes to position itself nationally and internationally and improve the present level of research and development in the Netherlands in the field of marine oil and chemical spill response. Moreover, this knowledge combination will be the preliminary phase in the development of new containment methods, equipment, vessels and services, or the improvement of the existing containment resources.

This will involve national and international knowledge disclosure and sharing (see the European Maritime Policy).

The Regional Training Centre Kop van Noord-Holland is developing a Mechatronics dual programme at the senior secondary vocational plus level (MBO+) in close collaboration with the MCN partnership and the relevant industries.

This demand-based programme is intended to provide a solution for the current and growing shortage of trained Mechatronics engineers in the on-shore and off-shore industries. The programme will be designed in close collaboration with the relevant industries. The Advanced Mechatronics dual programme bridges the gap between senior secondary vocational education and the universities of applied sciences. The programme will be implemented by the Technology department of the new Maritime School.

The programme aims to produce 30 advanced mechatronics engineers (MBO+ level) annually.

NHL University of Applied Sciences is developing the Applied Sciences Petrochemical & Offshore Minor in collaboration with the regional offshore companies.

If it wishes to maintain its leading position, the Dutch offshore sector will need to find a solution for the structural staff shortages. The Offshore minor offered by NHL University of Applied Sciences can help to alleviate this problem. The minor provides applied sciences students with the opportunity to specialise in offshore operations during their studies and gives professionals in the sector the option of following an applied sciences programme alongside their work.

The programme takes the form of a specialised minor within the accredited (CROHO) Chemical Technology programme. The minor can be followed by both regular students and those already in employment. The practical training components take place in Den Helder.

Effects: minimum intake of 26 students per year. Immediate employment opportunities and indirect employment effects.

NHL University of Applied Sciences is developing the Wind Energy degree programme in collaboration with the relevant business sectors and energy companies.

Wind energy is one of the spearheads of the Netherlands’ energy policy with major investments planned for the sector during the coming years. Employers anticipate strong growth in employment in this area. There is a demand for specialist knowledge and innovative capacity. The programme aims to supply highly qualified personnel to the sector.

The programme takes the form of a specialised degree course as part of the accredited (CROHO) Mechanical Engineering programme. The dual programme can be followed by both regular students and those already in employment. Students can register with NHL University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden. The practical training components take place in Den Helder.

A maximum of 25 students are admitted each year and there are immediate career opportunities at the applied sciences/research level. Indirect employment opportunities will depend on the spin-off effects.

Develop and implement extensive distance learning opportunities by offering at least 10 modules in the maritime fields at the senior secondary vocational (MBO) and applied sciences (HBO) levels.

To increase the percentage of women working in the various maritime sectors. This is an economic necessity in view of the high numbers of people leaving these sectors. The labour market analyses predict a large and increasing shortage of qualified personnel in almost all the sectors in MCN’s focus area, and women have the most labour market potential.

A CTDTC test facility of approx. 100m2 in Den Helder.

International laboratory for technicians specialised in direct drive.

Expansion of the existing product and process development activities in Den Helder.

Strengthening the position of Noord Holland Noord as the location of choice for knowledge sharing and products for direct-drive wind and water turbines.

Strengthening the wind energy knowledge cluster and so making it attractive for businesses to establish branches or expand existing activities here.

A test facility that will be used and will have proved its worth far beyond 2012.

July 2010 the KIA Wind at Sea report was launched. The report is composed by consultants of ATO (project leader), ECN, Imares/WUR, MCN, TNO, TU Delft and We@sea, and the project was initiated by Maritime Campus Netherlands (MCN).

The report KIA ‘Wind at Sea, invest in a sustainable future’ as well as the flyer ‘Work at wind at sea’ (Dutch copies download) describes an integrated approach of research and development, education and enterprises, explaining the opportunities of the Dutch industry and the creation of thousands of jobs.

Especially putting valorization of knowledge into practice is of immense importance.

Since July 2010, MCN started several items as described as conditions to achieve these goals:

• In August 2010 an agreements was signed between MCN, NHL Hogeschool and STC-Group with regard to organizing and implementation of Higher Vocational Education and Intermediate Vocational Education of Offshore Wind Energy.
• Both the Higher Vocational Education Field Study Offshore Wind Energy and the Intermediate Vocational Education Offshore Wind training started September 2011.
• In September 2011 an agreement was signed between MCN, Energy Valley and the Municipality of Den Helder, stating that the National Knowledge Center Offshore Wind Energy will be established in Den Helder and all parties involved will collaborate in the organization and implementation of the Center.

The purpose of the Knowledge Center is to create a platform will activate practicing the valorization of knowledge regarding Offshore Wind Energy and making knowledge available for everybody:

• Research institutes
• Education institutions
• Companies
• Public Authorities
• Everybody who wants to know something about Offshore Wind Energy: recreational – and educational use.

Currently, MCN and partners are preparing a business plan and the first projects will start early 2012.

A CTDTC test facility of approx. 100m2 in Den Helder.

International laboratory for technicians specialised in direct drive.

Expansion of the existing product and process development activities in Den Helder.

Strengthening the position of Noord Holland Noord as the location of choice for knowledge sharing and products for direct-drive wind and water turbines.

Strengthening the wind energy knowledge cluster and so making it attractive for businesses to establish branches or expand existing activities here.

A test facility that will be used and will have proved its worth far beyond 2012.

Development of in silico simulation tools for modelling the ecologically sustainable growth of the maritime sector in the coming years. These instruments can be used to determine investment priorities on the basis of the overall environmental performance of shipping and other maritime activities. Various emissions are included, such as gas emissions, surface and subsurface noise pollution, anti-fouling, bilge water, etc. The main elements are:

1. The development of an integrated eco-performance index.
2. The ability to operate in fragile areas without negative environmental effects.

A prototype Corrosion Probe for the fast and effective measurement of the quality and service life of protective coatings, mainly for use by the Offshore Energy en Shipping industries. Consists of the following components:

1. Manual probe on the basis of electrochemical measurement principles.
2. Software for data analysis (modelling of coating degradation and remaining service life).
3. Corrosion database.

Such a device could be useful to various categories of inspectors and organisations around the world.

There is a demand both nationally and internationally for the development of both independent and integrated marine aquafarming projects (algae, shellfish and fish). Such projects are expensive and long term and so it is difficult to obtain financing for them. This ‘blueprint’ is a feasibility study of technical, ecological and economic components to discover whether aquaculture could be combined with sustainable offshore energy projects to make it economically feasible and attractive for financiers. This blueprint contains the most important elements for fast implementation and guidelines for optimising the operation of a multifunctional offshore installation.

Download the rapport "Combining offshore wind energy and large-scale mussel farming"

Presentations:

• Wind Mussel Farm Simulation (PDF)
• Zeewier, een modern akkerbouwgewas met unieke mogelijkheden (PDF)
• Blauwdruk Offshore Energy & Aquafarming (PDF)

To increase the percentage of women working in the various maritime sectors. This is an economic necessity in view of the high numbers of people leaving these sectors. The labour market analyses predict a large and increasing shortage of qualified personnel in almost all the sectors in MCN’s focus area, and women have the most labour market potential.

Until recently, Asset Management was primarily based on LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) as an independent tool with no foundation in an integrated system approach. This means, for example, that there is relatively little attention for defining alternatives for the original route or applying weighting factors. By contrast, Life Cycle Management (LCM) is an integrated system that makes it possible to manage the complete life cycle of a system or product and make adjustments when necessary. This includes all phases of the life cycle, from the specification and design phase, via the operational and maintenance phase, through to decommissioning. LCM makes it possible to ensure that capital assets such as ships and offshore platforms meet the operational requirements of the owners and/or operators while also being cost-effective.

LCA/LCM is a very flexible and versatile system. It is used for short-term goals (LCA) such as the design and optimisation of a life cycle. For the medium long term (LCA/LCM) it is used for making comprehensive comparisons of performance, potential areas for improvement and eco-labelling opportunities for products and systems. Finally, long-term studies (LCM) can be used for strategic asset management planning at a higher level of integration, using LCM models developed for Asset Management Control.