The Laboratory for Ocean Innovation (LOI), a collaboration between Texas A&M University and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), is celebrating its second anniversary. The LOI is located within the Department of Ocean Engineering at the Haynes Engineering Building.
The LOI involves many Texas A&M researchers and ABS subject matter experts (SME) and spans multiple disciplines including visualization, chemistry, ocean, mechanical, and chemical engineering. The lab allows for multiple uses.
Since its inception, the LOI has sought continuous improvement upon existing engineering processes and safety. The lab also wants to develop innovative new processes for improving safety, security and responsibility within the marine, offshore and gas industries.
Dr. Roger Cordes, assistant department head of ocean engineering, says, “We are very excited about the accomplished research over the last two years and where we are heading in the future. The LOI has enabled our Texas A&M expertise to be applied to ABS’ industry challenges and needs. Establishing the LOI as we did enables us to work on projects that require multi-year commitments; complex research that supports students and enables working closely with ABS SMEs. It has been an excellent effort that has strengthened the strong industry partnership between Texas A&M and ABS.”
Current research projects include carbon capture, nuclear power generation, ammonia release, battery technology, autonomous operation, augmented reality, and AI use for building vessel component inventories.
Dr. Edgar Rojas Munoz, director of the Texas A&M Laboratory for Extended and Mixed User Realities (LEMUR) recently used the LOI to provide a demonstration of augmented reality use for safety within industry and maritime environments. The demonstration was attended by ABS senior executives and A&M faculty and students.
Dr. Rojas Munoz says, “As the name implies, the LOI has been propelling a variety of advancements in maritime innovation. Given its broad umbrella of covered areas, it acts as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research advancements. For instance, the Augmented Reality Wearables project brings together experts in safety, maritime operations, visualization, and human factors. This not only translates into quality research and publications but offers the involved parties a chance of exploring areas outside of their comfort zone. This can often translate into novel directions for investigations."
An ABS podcast, Setting Course, was recently recorded at the LOI and featured Dr. Sivakumar Rathinam, mechanical engineering, along with Mr. Denny Raymond, ABS senior technology engineer, discussing the impact of autonomous vessel operation. It was broadcast on Monday, February 24, and can be heard at tx.ag/fsGh9Pb
“We are proud of the developing relationship with Texas A&M. We’ve explored many important topics that are shaping this decade of change in the maritime and offshore industries. The work we are doing together is being directly used to contribute to ABS products and services which are first-and-foremost safety-focused. I look forward to continuing the work together in the next year,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS senior vice president and chief technology officer.
In the two years since its inception, the LOI has been a hub of research activity and innovation and is expected to continue its forward trajectory and further expand research already in development.