Crews efficiency project awarded £175k funding

Researchers from Solent University have been awarded £175k funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation and The TK Foundation to examine crew efficiency.

The three-year project will examine key safety, welfare and efficiency implications of implementing either stable or fluid crews on board merchant vessels. 

Creating the best team working environment on-board is paramount to advancing safety and more sustainable ways of working. With crewing commonly being the largest factor in the vessel’s operating budget, understanding the potential benefits of keeping the top management teams together for more than one voyage and on the same vessel, may have significant impact for the industry.

 “Global business depends on the international trade of goods transported by ship, so a safe and efficient shipping industry is vital,” says Senior Research Fellow at Solent and project lead Dr Kate Pike.

“This project has the potential to increase vessel safety, efficiency and seafarers’ welfare, and add high impact and value to the industry.”

The project, run in collaboration with ImpactCrew and NJC Associates, will build upon findings from an initial seed-funded, pilot project conducted last year. The Solent University research team consists of Dr Kate Pike, principle investigator, Emma Broadhurst, research coordinator and a full-time PhD student.

“The project will draw on best practice from other industries, where more information and experience exists on stable teams,” says Dr Pike. “This will help demonstrate the benefits and challenges for the merchant shipping industry.”

Notes to editors:

Lloyd’s Register Foundation
A charitable foundation, helping to protect life and property by supporting engineering-related education, public engagement and the application of research. www.lrfoundation.org.uk

The TK Foundation
A private grantmaking foundation supporting non-profit maritime and youth development programs.