STUDENT COMPETITION

Background
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is the recognized, experienced advocate and catalyst within the government for public/private sector commercial partnerships in the important area of marine energy and emissions. Research partnerships are formed with government agencies, industry and others to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative fuels, advanced performance technologies, and emissions reduction technologies of marine power plants. In this context, the described project complements MARAD’s strategic vision and is permitted by the provisions as set forth in the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, Section 209. Authorization of Appropriations. The purpose of the competition is to challenge and reward college student teams to develop superior vessels designs or transportation systems. The specific challenge presented to students will vary from year-to-year. For the 2007-2008 academic year the focus will be on marine transportation operation on Arctic routes.

Statement of Work
The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), in concert with MARAD, shall conduct a design competition for an Ultra Green Arctic Shipping Vessel/System that is economically competitive and that is energy efficient with low emissions. The vessel/system will transport LNG between Kara & Barents Seas to the North East USA. This student competition will be open internationally. A team of MARAD personnel, SNAME members and members of the Arctic Council will judge the competition.
The designs should be innovative, using concepts that employ air emissions and energy reduction cutting edge technology. Each design effort should assess the influence of weight, space, cost and operational performance.

Factors considered in the evaluation process include:
Rationale for selecting the vessel type and transportation system
Selected route
Propulsion system analysis
Environmental benefits
Economic analysis including required freight rate

Although no limits are placed on the size of the design team, the judges will take into consideration the size of the team in judging the scope and outcome of the student work.

Judging criteria:
Thoroughness of design including accuracy of calculations.
Cost & Practicality of the design
Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
Presentation

Deliverables: Progress reports (October 31 and December 31, 2007 and February 29, 2008) and a final report. All submittals shall be electronic.

Completion Date: April 30th 2008

Competition Awards:
The competition awards will be presented at the
2008 SNAME Maritime Technology Conference & Expo
and Ship Production Symposium
October 14-17, 2008
Houston, Texas, USA

The winning design teams will be awarded cash prizes as noted:
First Place $2,500
Second Place $1,000
Third Place $500

The winning design team faculty advisors will be awarded cash prizes as noted:
First Place $500
Second Place $400
Third Place $300

Panel of Judges
Mr. Sean Connaughton Administrator, Maritime Administration,
Capt. Lawson Brigham, USCG (Ret), PhD Deputy Director, U.S. Arctic Research Commission
ADM Robert Kramek USCG (Ret) President, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
Mr. Ronald Kiss Past President of Webb Institute

Point of Contact:
Pradeep Nayyar, Program Manager Advanced Technologies
Maritime Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
(Past Senior VP Scandinavian Underwriters-USA)
202-366-1886
pradeep.nayyar@dot.gov