Welcome letter A warm welcome to Southampton for the 2022 Seawork Commercial Marine Exhibition, returning after Covid lockdowns prevented us from holding the show in 2021 and at the very last minute in 2020. This year, we are holding two separate half-day conferences – one for Hybrid and Electric Propulsion, the other for USVs – so first of all, huge thanks to all our sponsors and partners, chairmen and speakers, with special mentions going to our Hybrid Gold sponsor, MJR Power & Automation, and sponsor BMT. Secondly, I’d just like to mention that it’s my first Seawork as editor of Maritime Journal, and I really look forward to meeting all of you over the three days and talking to you about how you see the maritime sector – the challenges it faces, the direction of travel, and the opportunities. Opportunities that are emerging not least in the Uncrewed Service Vessel (USV) sector as well as hybrid and electric propulsion, both to which we have devoted two separate halfday conferences. It makes sense to combine hybrid and electric technologies in one of the conferences, which we are doing for the first time. The people we speak to believe unmanned vessels will be key to achieving the net-zero targets that the maritime sector is chasing. But is it realistic in the short term, especially where navigating regulations is concerned? We are delighted to welcome experts and company representatives to talk about what they’re doing to grow the role of USVs and how it will help reduce emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 – and to help guide us through an inevitable swathe of new rules accompanying these innovations, the MCA’s Dr Katrina Kemp will take attendees through what is being addressed in this area. And it’s not just about the green challenge: we will look at how safety is being improved with USV technology and eliminating the need for mariners to risk their own lives saving others. The USV event will be on the morning of June 22. For the Hybrid & Electric Propulsion half-day event on June 23, two separate sessions will look at just how they combine: in the first session, real-world implementation of hybrid & electric propulsion solutions; and in the second, a panel discussion on which is better for ‘greening the fleet’ – hybrid, or full electric – and the issues with both. Noel Tomlinson, the BMT & SMI Workboat Working Group Lead, will open the conference and chair the panel discussion. Tap into our impressive range of speakers and experts, and while it would be impossible to cover everything in the two half-day events, there will be plenty of opportunities throughout Seawork to network and make contacts who we know will be valuable to you long after the doors close. Enjoy! Debbie Mason Editor, Maritime Journal
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