Design of Ocean Systems

Design of Ocean Systems

Our ocean engineers are involved in all phases of design related to ocean systems, including offshore platforms for petroleum recovery and merchant, research, and naval ships; nuclear submarines; and other submersible vehicles, especially robotic autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). We are also tackling the design of fishery and harbor facilities, port-transportation infrastructures, and oceanographic equipment, instrumentation, and sensors.

Ships and Transportation

Improved ocean technology will increase capabilities and efficiencies for commerce and national security. The ocean holds vast resources—subsea oil and gas, for example. It also connects people to resources. The largest tonnage of products and materials transported on Earth is moved over the ocean.

Technologies for reduced emissions and pollution and increased energy efficiency of ships and ocean vehicles are therefore critical. Faster, stronger, and more fuel-efficient ships and floating structures are essential to the future of ocean transport, as are faster and more economical shipping systems for both commercial and national defense needs.

Ships and ocean platforms are notably complex engineering systems, however. Marked improvements in ship design and performance require a highly interdisciplinary approach, incorporating advances in hydrodynamics, structures, materials, and propulsion and control systems.