CRS is a true textbook example of joint acceleration

Since 2007, Damen RD&I has been a member of Cooperative Research Ships (CRS). This global alliance of companies and research institutes engages in a variety of ship research projects. Jochem de Jong, Manager Research at Damen RD&I: “We use the knowledge gained and calculation tools every day.”

“Taking part in the CRS network is important for RD&I, in order to learn from and participate in maritime sector research outside our own organisation,” Jochem explains. His Colleague Scott Terry, Principal Research Engineer Hydromechanics, adds: “Because we actively participate in meetings and the various working groups, we can help determine the selection of topics within CRS.” Jochem: “Within this scope, we naturally focus on themes and topics that fit Damen's ambitions in terms of sustainability, digitalization. and operational excellence.”

Diversity of expertise

CRS members include navies, shipyards, suppliers, classification societies and research institutes, ensuring a diversity of expertise and a balanced approach to complex issues, says Jochem. “CRS research primarily focuses on the interaction between hull shapes and water, their performance (hydromechanics), loads on vessel structures, propeller performance, and hull-propeller interaction. CRS is a unique collaboration, without managers, offices, or for-profit targets. Members pay a contribution fee, and if they carry out a significant amount of work in a CRS working group, they may submit an invoice. That allows you to become smarter and earn back the contribution fees.” The concept is so successful that the CRS network has been active for more than 50 years.

Working groups

A dozen working groups are active at present. The average lifespan of a working group is three years. Along with about a dozen colleagues from RD&I, Terry is currently active in seven of those working groups. “Topics we are working on include research into ship motion, hull roughness, manoeuvring in waves and the onboard impact of propeller noise. Research into ship structures in relation to loads and fatigue is also taking place.”

Democratic network

Working groups are formed based on topics proposed by members. Jochem: “CRS is a democratic network in which all members have equal voting rights. We hold annual meetings, such as an Open Meeting and Annual General Meeting, during which we discuss technical advances, generate ideas for new working groups, and vote on projects to be carried out in the coming year. This way of working is the foundation of CRS's success.” The research programme is led by a steering committee, which consists of rotating elected members. Jochem is currently part of the steering committee. Jochem: “This committee monitors continuity and progress and supports decision-making within the CRS research programme. Because we tackle problems that are common to us all, the work we do is of interest to everyone.”

Tooling

CRS isn’t an obligation-free group that deals with abstract topics, he explains. “At Damen, we use various calculation tools (tooling) and guidelines that stem from CRS collaborations every day. This includes tooling for calculating manoeuvring characteristics, hull behaviour in waves, and propeller construction and performance. A lot of that tooling is not commercially available and cannot, therefore, be purchased anywhere. An additional advantage of CRS tooling is the fact that it is developed collectively and, as a result, relies on methodology accepted throughout the industry. RD&I aims to provide high-quality technical advice within the Damen Group - CRS tooling and knowledge is indispensable for this. Another reason to join in is the possibility for participating colleagues to build a global network. It’s a great way to meet a wide variety of experts. These are all engineers who talk openly about technical topics, although they are obviously careful not to share Damen IP with outsiders.”

No sharing of sensitive information

Terry: “CRS is a true textbook example of join acceleration. This is because we don’t always have the required expertise inhouse. In those cases, you can bring in expensive consultants, or tackle the issue together within CRS.” This doesn’t just mean sharing Damen’s unique knowledge. Jochem: “We always hold internal discussions first, to determine which information is sensitive and not to be shared. What’s more: within CRS, we’re usually dealing with operational matters, such as case studies based on certain assumptions.” Terry: “The way it usually works: we develop a model within CRS and then validate it for the Damen application. We then bring the conclusions obtained back to CRS as feedback and input for model improvements.” The results of research activities are sometimes difficult to substantiate in figures, and this also applies to some extent to participation in CRS. However, the aforementioned tooling and high-quality knowledge network offer rock-solid benefits, says Jochem. "We use the outcomes every day, so without CRS we would not be able to achieve our current level of quality."