BMT Completes Fast Ship Study for the European Defence Agency

Nigel Gee Ltd and BMT Defence Services Ltd have completed an important investigation into the use of innovative hull design, construction, propulsion and other ‘fast ship' technology on behalf of the European Defence Agency (EDA).

The study, the first contract that BMT has won from the EDA, was developed to analyse the technological challenges and identify practical solutions for rapid, long-distance European Union crisis management and disaster relief operations.

Specifically, the research collected and assessed data on new and emerging developments in ship design and relevant technologies in relation to the construction of transoceanic cargo vessels. BMT then investigated how improvements in these technologies would affect operating parameters such as payload carrying capacity, sustained speed and fuel consumption while analysing the cost efficiency of utilising them.

BMT's study team which was lead by Ed Dudson, acknowledged expert in fast ships, was supported by highly experienced naval architects, marine engineers and cost assessors.

Ed Dudson, Technical Director at BMT Nigel Gee, said: "We're pleased the high profile and influential EDA is showing such a strong interest in fast-ship technology. We relish intellectually stimulating research and engineering challenges, particularly those that lead to useful and important application."

BMT Nigel Gee is an industry leader in the field of fast-ship design and technology and both companies have vast experience in carrying out market, environmental, concept, design, technology, engineering and operational studies.

Richard Danns, a Business Development manager at BMT Defence Services, said: "The EDA invited several companies to conduct this study and we are delighted to have been chosen. The decision compounds BMT's reputation as pioneers in the field."

Previously, BMT has been involved in the concept and production design of the high-speed USS Sea Fighter coastal warfare vessel; the concept and preliminary design of F5 frigate; and feasibility and concept design of ADX Express, a high-speed container vessel.

BMT Defence Services has developed innovative software tools to map and organise appropriate technologies in a rigorous, comprehensive and auditable way. BMT used some of these tools in the EDA fast-ship study.