An innovative project team that introduced a new shortsea ship design making use of battery and fuel cell technology has been named as the winner of the eighth Intelligence Hunt project competition, by SeaFocus.
The Intelligence Hunt is a project-based awards scheme that marries innovative solution developers (the talents) with forward-thinking companies in the shipping supply chain and logistics (the case companies).
The talents participating are current or recently graduated university students. Fresh new ideas and the highest and most modern technological solutions are emphasised throughout the entire project. The projects run for two to four months and culminate in the Finals where the talent teams present their solutions.
The Talent Team winner of the project competition was ‘Rauma´S Decarbonizers’ with the assignment “Decarbonizing Shortsea Shipping” with the Case Company, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC). The proposed project focused on an electric operation, zero emission ship design that makes use of a battery and fuel cell system.
The winning team was supervised by Mentor Poul Woodall (pictured), who has more than 40 years’ experience in the maritime world with a particular interest in climate and environmental issues.
Mika Laurilehto, Chief Sales Officer, Rauma Marine Constructions, said: “Congratulations and a big thanks to our team members for being able to present concrete and readily available solutions for the greatest challenge the maritime industry is facing. We can all learn from the work done by the international student team: the technology and solutions for a significant reduction of emissions from ships of already exist – what we need now is co-operation of all involved parties across the globe.”
The award for the winning team is a six month tailored individual career mentoring programme, and a cash prize of €500 per team member.
SeaFocus owns the concept IPR and acts as a coordinator for the competition, facilitating and strengthening the link between the case companies, the mentors and the talents, approaching around 800 university contacts twice a year and managing the application and evaluation process.
Ulla Keino, CEO and Owner of SeaFocus, said: “The Intelligence Hunt competition exposes innovation to upcoming talent without organisational barriers. The scheme’s mission is to act as a bridge to find suitable jobs for talented individuals, using a bridge without a road toll fee.”
Woodall said: “Our industry needs a constant stream of new talent to keep moving and this competition is an invaluable platform for showcasing and exposing talent to companies who are open to and embracing innovation. It was a pleasure to work with these young talented individuals on this project and I am excited to see where this win takes them.”
