Steller Systems’ Support to Joint Engineering and Maintenance Period for HMS PROTECTOR in Chile

Steller Systems recently provided on-site support to the Joint Engineering and Maintenance Period for HMS PROTECTOR in Talcahuano, Chile.  Our support included conducting surveys and assessments of the heating and ventilation system, survey of the draught stop installation and conducting analysis as a precursor to the installation of a Ballast Water Treatment Plant.

HMS PROTECTOR is the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Vessel which provides a UK sovereign presence in the British Antarctic Territory and its surrounding areas.  The ship is managed on behalf of the MOD by AW Ship Management Ltd.

Steller Systems’ Support to Thai Minehunters

Steller Systems has been awarded a major 3½-year contract by Thales to provide stability and structural support for the modernisation of the Royal Thai Navy’s Bang Rachan Class Minehunters.

The upgrades to the HTMS Bang Rachan and HTMS Nong Sarai vessels include the fitment of a new state-of-the-art sonar and other systems, as well as repairs and general modernisation in order to extend their operational life by over 15 years.

Steller Systems’ structures team has conducted surveys of the vessels and is currently completing detailed FEA assessments for the installation of new systems.

Meanwhile the stability team is producing stability models of the vessels, to enable the management of stability of the vessel throughout the upgrade programme and to develop Stability Information Books providing guidance to the masters.  In support of our stability analysis Steller Systems will be conducting a number of inclining experiments and deadweight surveys to understand the ships’ lightship post-upgrade and to ensure compliance with design standards.

Completion of this work in 2019 will ensure that these vessels remain fit for purpose for the Royal Thai Navy.

Royal Thai Navy Bang Rachan Minehunters

Congratulations to the Southampton Hydro Team

Congratulations!  Steller Systems is proud to sponsor the Southampton Hydro Team which came 4^th in the heavyweight race, 6^th in the lightweight race, and 4^th in the endurance race in the third annual HYDROcontest, the international student competition dedicated to naval energy efficiency.  The team, consisting of students from the University of Southampton, also took home the communications prize.

The HYDROcontest took place from 24^th to 31^st July 2016 on Lake Geneva, Switzerland and brought together 24 teams comprising 250 students from 12 countries from Europe, Asia and South America.  The aim of the competition was to imagine, design, create and pilot an innovative boat which is both fast and energy efficient.

Stability & Survivability Book for HMS PROTECTOR

Steller Systems has recently completed a major piece of work to provide a new Stability and Survivability Book (SSB) for the Royal Navy Ice Patrol Vessel HMS PROTECTOR in accordance with Naval Authority guidance.  The document covers both Special Purpose and Ice Breaking Operations and replaces the three trim and stability manuals currently held onboard. In conducting this work Steller Systems rationalised three complex sets of stability requirements into clear and concise operator guidance suited to the naval operation of the vessel. These and other associated challenges faced in bringing a vessel from commercial to naval operation have recently been presented by Steller Systems at the biannual Surface Ship Naval Architecture Liaison Group meeting (SSNALG).

Steller Systems Continues to Grow

Steller Systems’ team of naval architects, structural engineers and systems engineers continues to grow.

Earlier in the year the structural department welcomed Simon Dawe, a mechanical engineer with nine years’ experience of working in the naval defence industry, having previously worked in the MOD and Babcock International Group.  More recently we have welcomed George Payne to the team, who joins us from the University of Southampton having recently qualified as a naval architect.  Both Simon and George are providing concept design, modelling and analysis for our range of customers in both government and industry.

In addition, Steller Systems is playing its part in developing the next generation of naval architects and engineers.  Student Abel Ellis has joined us for a summer work placement, where he has provided technical support to a number of exciting projects and has learned about the range of technical services that we offer.