A Maltese company is participating in an international research program which brings together academicians from the UK, Italy and Malta to further develop a scientific and technological capacity in marine structural design for a greener industry.

Minister for Research, Innovation and the Co-Ordination of the Post Covid-19 Strategy Dr Owen Bonnici today visited the offices of Naval Architectural Services, a Maltese company which provides specialist marine technical services to a diverse range of local and International clients from its Malta base.

Dr Bonnici explained that VENTuRE is an on-going project that aims to bring together international leading research organisations, namely University of Strathclyde from the UK and the University of Genoa from Italy with local institutions such as the University of Malta and Naval Architectural Services to transfer knowledge and to enhance the scientific and technological capacity in Energy Efficient Ship Design.

This project will help contribute to providing Malta with a good base to further develop its scientific and technological capacity in the marine industry.

Minister Bonnici said that the fact that Maltese researchers are contributing to reaching the global targets set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the reduction of greenhouse gas emission is something which we all should be proud of.

“I congratulate the research arm of this company, which is led by Dr Kurt Mizzi, which now also focuses on new fuels and state of the art energy efficient designs towards achieving the company’s ambitious goal of zero emissions and low environmental impact shipping and yachting,” Dr Bonnici said.

Naval Arcitectural Services Ltd Director Engineer Kurt Gutteridge explained that this company had its origins in the survey and design sectors of the industry. Over time the company has rapidly evolved to offer support and consultancy in various specialist areas such as ship and yacht stability, detailed marine structural design, hull optimization services and use of energy saving devices.

“Today, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of the sector by ensuring constant investment in human and technical resources which are essential in a knowledge-based industry where technological development and innovation are key to success,” he said whilst mentioning that NAS is also working on other international projects.