ALERT

Recent tanker accidents in European waters have ended with catastrophic consequences in which structural deficiencies may have largely contributed to the accident. Casualty investigation after the incidents identified the need for better understanding in areas of the detecting of defects and weaknesses during and after both survey and repairs; the reduction of any adverse effects of repairs; and the current strength requirements for deck opening securing arrangements

The Assessment of Life-cycle Effect of Repairs on Tankers (ALERT) project will undertake a thorough examination of current practices in the field of ship repair and to propose improvements to the underlying processes in consultation with industry. The project intends to critically review the current and emerging technologies, identify and prioritise future R&D needs and developments, in the areas of ship repair practices (WP1), Condition monitoring of ships (WP2), Structural assessment methodologies (WP3) and Through life management (WP4). Finally, the project will disseminate and exploit the results through publications, seminars and workshops and prepare R&D project proposals (WP5).