Naval Group and Sirehna at the forefront of FAST 17

After Washington in 2015, the international specialists of maritime transport gathered in Nantes for the 14th edition of the FAST 17 (Fast Sea Transportation) conference from 27 to 29 September. Under the impetus of Naval Group and its subsidiary Sirehna, co-organiser with GICAN and the EMC2 competitiveness cluster, innovative materials made their entrance into the presentations. Faster, more reliable, cleaner and more economical: the challenges faced by the vessels of tomorrow, whether for fast sea transportation or naval defence, are all related to research and innovation advances. A hundred or so academic and industrial experts from about fifteen countries including the US, Norway and Australia, all pioneers of fast vessels and regular attendees of the event, were present at FAST 17 to talk about these issues. "Further to the call for communications, eighty-five presentations were selected, says François Duthoit, director of Naval Group international cooperation and president of FAST 17. Each lasted thirty minutes and addressed in particular hydrodynamics and structures, the smart ship, modelling, propulsion, additive manufacturing…" This year, in addition to the historical theme of fast sea transportation, the theme of innovative materials was added, at the request of Naval Group, "with the aim of mobilising the French community around the challenges faced by the naval industry".

Naval Group and Sirehna expertise

Two senior experts from Naval Group and a specialist from Sirehna presented the fruit of studies conducted on 3 subjects: corrosion and biofouling, the impact of radiated vessel noise on fauna and flora (European project AQUO, Achieve Quieter Oceans) and last but not least the stabilisation of foil-equipped vessels. Three subjects for which the group is amongst the world leaders. "Participating in FAST contributes to the corporate and scientific notoriety of companies in the field, underlines François Duthoit. Naval Group sees it as an opportunity to highlight our expertise and promote future international partnerships with public and private organisations. Co-organising FAST in Nantes, a stone's throw from Technocampus Ocean, where our technology research teams are concentrated, also contributes to this desire to enhance attractiveness". The strong presence of Australia should also be noted for this 14th edition in Europe, probably thanks to increased Franco-Australian cooperation since the selection of Naval Group for the Future Submarines Program.