Quebec Team
BMT has joined the roll call of sponsors for the 2nd European International Submarine Races (eISR) taking place 7-11 July at QinetiQ’s Ocean Basin, which at 122m x 61m and 5.5m deep is not only the biggest covered fresh water space in Europe, but the approximate size of an international soccer pitch.
They join the existing sponsors of the races – the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the Babcock Group, QinetiQ and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) in this celebration of the talents and ingenuity of enterprising students from around the world.
Twelve teams from universities in Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, USA and UK [1] are currently hard at work building, testing and putting the finishing touches to their submarines. They will race them fully submerged, wearing SCUBA gear, and using ‘pedal power’ as their only energy source.
“BMT is proud to have been involved with the European International Submarine Races since its inception in 2012, and the growth in interest surrounding the event is encouraging to see.” says Roy Quilliam, Business Development Director at BMT Defence Services.
“Our industry is faced with many challenges, and initiatives such as this help to enthuse young engineers and combat the growing competition from other sectors. This is something we are passionate about at BMT and the European International Submarine Races are another key part of building awareness and securing the skills needed for the future of our industry. We are pleased to sponsor the Innovation Award again, recognising that new and exciting ideas are at the heart of differentiation from the competition, and hence success.”
“We are delighted to welcome BMT as sponsors once again of the Innovation Award at the eISR, such a tangible acknowledgment of the efforts that our teams have put in is just the encouragement that they need!” says Race Director, Prof William Megill, FIMarEST.
“Perhaps there ought to be an award for improbable submarine names too! We’ll have
Archimède, Omer 9, Skookumerchuk, Inia, WASUB 4, Taniwha, Odyssey, Laurie Belle, Menrva, ROGER (Running On Green Energy Research), HPS Shakespeare, and one yet-to be-named submarine all battling against the clock, and each other, in July.”
The eISR judging panel will be chaired by Vice Admiral Sir Robert Hill, KBE, FIMarEST and comprises experienced submarine engineers. As well as the overall award to the fastest, most manoeuvrable submarine, and the BMT-sponsored innovation award there will be other awards made including the week’s fastest sprint speed, agility, and for the best presentation.
Graduate fair and master classes
On 9 July the eISR will play host to a graduate fair and to Underwater Technology Master Classes, both will be open to anyone with an interest in marine engineering. Those that will benefit most from the opportunities are third and final year engineering students, as well as recent graduates of engineering programmes.. Work is currently under way putting the programme together; with companies eager to take part urged to make contact with info@subrace.eu. Registration for the master classes and Graduate Fair is at http://www.subrace.eu/careers-
Further information on the eISR
Further information on all aspects of the eISR is at www.subrace.eu
[1] The teams entered for the eISR come from École Polytechnique de Montréal, École de Technologie Supérieure, and University of British Columbia all from Canada; Rhine Waal University of Applied Sciences from Germany; University of Delft from the Netherlands; University of Auckland from New Zealand; University of Michigan and University of Washington from the USA; and four teams from the UK – University of Bath, University of Plymouth, University of Southampton and University.
- Rather than carry a long description of the races, can we urge you to click here http://www.subrace.eu/ and scroll down to the marvellous BBC News video on the site. In under three minutes that will give you a splendid insight into the inaugural races and what it meant to the students who took part.
- Why not follow a team as they get to work designing and building their submarine; and getting fit to pilot it? We are happy to put you in touch with the University of your choice – just email judithpatten@jppr.uk.com
