Second year students Miri Park and Moriba Konate report:

The second year ship science students had the privilege of visiting the car carrier, Toledo at the Southampton dock. The Japanese built 200m ship had 12 tiers of car decks with the total capacity of 6564 units of passenger cars.
Before going on board, the students spoke to the engineers from Ecosubsea, a company which uses remotely controlled mini-submarines to clean underwater hull. The engineers highlighted the importance of protecting the hull from fouling and how a clean hull with minimal paint damage helps to reduce air pollution and fuel costs for a ship. This allowed the students to acknowledge the growing environmental issues and the needs for regulations on ships.

On the bridge, the electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) was shown by the chief engineer, which helps the navigation crew to monitor the ship and plan the route in advance. However, in contrast to this technological advancement, a signalling lamp was still in use and it was explained that all crew must know the Morse code. The ballast control system was shown and the students watched how it automatically ballast and deballast during the loading process.
The students were taken around the accommodation space, including the galley, mess rooms, offices and gym, which helped to get an idea for their general arrangement assignment and to see why it is important to provide recreational spaces and a habitable environment for the crew as a naval architect.

Overall, the visit was a success and the shaft tunnel and the steering gear system was most memorable for the students. This helped to understand the importance of shaft alignment and its maintenance during service and it further reinforced their understanding of lecture materials. We are all very thankful to Wallenius Wilhelmsen for this opportunity and hope to see you again!