December 9, 2014 (Middletown, R.I.) – The United States Maritime Resource Center (USMRC) in Middletown, Rhode Island and ClassNK, a leading ship classification society based in Tokyo, Japan, are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) laying out a framework for future technical cooperation to carry out joint research and development activities for the maritime industry.
ClassNK Executive Vice President Mr. Koichi Fujiwara on the left and Mr. Brian T. Holden, president of USMRC on the right
This will mark the first time a major ship classification society has teamed with a prominent marine operations simulation center engaged in specialized training and research in North America.
“Our goal is to support the safety of ships from not only from the technological point of view, but also the human factor perspective. The need for qualified seafarers who are familiar with the latest maritime technology is essential for the sustainable development of the shipping industry,” said ClassNK Executive Vice President Koichi Fujiwara. “USMRC not only has the specialized knowledge to address these issues, but also has rich experience in maritime training. I am sure that this collaboration will greatly contribute to the future maritime education and training in the world.”
Added USMRC President Brian Holden: “We are truly honored and enthusiastic about working alongside such an innovative and highly respected ship classification society. ClassNK shares our goal of engaging in activities that focus on the safety of mariners; ships and their cargoes; and protection of the marine environment.”
The initial joint project will focus on the development of practical LNG bunkering simulation tools to further enhance USMRC’s existing niche portfolio of LNG bunkering training programs. This type of training, augmented with high fidelity simulations, better prepares mariners and shore-based personnel to safely handle LNG as a marine fuel.
“We were the first to offer LNG bunkering safety training in the United States,” said Holden. “The signing of this MOU will allow us to take another leap forward in this area by developing practical, hands-on LNG bunkering simulation tools to make this training even better.”
As a recognized expert and industry leader in developing national and international training standards for LNG bunkering operations and employing simulation to improve the development of maritime human capital, USMRC’s role will be to oversee the execution of the project.
The MOU also calls for USMRC and ClassNK to work together to offer Dynamic Positioning and other critical training capabilities to meet the needs of the offshore energy sector. ClassNK also has agreed to support USMRC’s technical research and other activities related to maritime cybersecurity – an emerging and significant risk to maritime safety.
