Under Control: The Challenges of Designing for the Submarine Environment

Control systems are an intrinsic and abundant part of modern life; they control everything from personal aspects of our lives, such as our central heating and the engines of our cars, to massive industrial automation, in industries like factories, distribution warehouses and transportation links. They are responsible for not only completing a task, but ensuring that it is done quickly, efficiently and safely. This article will discuss the constraints imposed on a control system with huge responsibilities, which must function within a challenging, underwater environment.

Bulk Coal Cargoes

Common problems associated with the transportation of coal in bulk include self-heating and methane production.

Liquefaction

Cargo liquefaction may occur if the material properties of ores or other bulk cargoes are not investigated sufficiently prior to loading, or the IMSBC requirements are not met.

Fires Caused by Hold Lights in Bulk Carriers

In the last few years there has been a change in bulk cargo ship design relating to Australian ladderways. The ships we have seen were all built in China, with the Australian ladders built as partially enclosed box sections.

Fires and Explosions at Sea

Hawkins investigated the cause of a fire and explosion on board a container ship on behalf of an insurer of various cargo interests. One of the key questions, as always, was which occurred first, the fire or the explosion?