Department of Marine Engineering - Faculty of Engineering, KDU

KDU Department of Marine Engineering Secures Rs. 520,000 Research Grant for Cutting-Edge Underwater Remotely Operated Unmanned Tethered Vehicle Project

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News
Date
August 21, 2023
Author
Site Admin

Introduction

In a remarkable stride towards pushing the boundaries of marine technology and research, the Department of Marine Engineering at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) has achieved a significant milestone by securing a short-term research grant of Rs. 520,000 from the esteemed Research Grant Committee of KDU. This financial support will fuel the realization of an ambitious project centered around the development of an underwater remotely operated unmanned tethered vehicle, aligning academia with innovation and technological advancement.

Pioneering the Project

The project revolves around the design, construction, and deployment of an underwater remotely operated unmanned tethered vehicle—a pioneering endeavor that combines cutting-edge engineering with the mysteries of the underwater realm. The vehicle is poised to serve as a game-changer in underwater exploration, research, and surveillance, promising to expand the horizons of scientific understanding and technological innovation.

The Role of the Research Grant Committee

The Research Grant Committee of KDU plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and research within the university community. Their decision to award a research grant of Rs. 520,000 to the Department of Marine Engineering for the underwater remotely operated unmanned tethered vehicle project reflects the university"'"s commitment to supporting groundbreaking initiatives that have the potential to contribute to both academic excellence and practical advancements.

University-Industry Collaboration

The collaboration between the Department of Marine Engineering and the Research Grant Committee underscores the university"'"s commitment to fostering partnerships that bridge academia and industry. This project serves as a testament to the potential of synergizing academic expertise with practical application, ultimately contributing to the growth of marine technology and research.

Anticipating Future Impacts

As the project unfolds, it is poised to impact various sectors, including marine conservation, deep-sea exploration, and maritime security. The vehicle"'"s capabilities will extend to tasks such as obtaining rip current data, offshore infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring, ushering in new avenues for scientific inquiry and societal benefit.

Conclusion

The Research Grant Committee"'"s award of a short-term research grant of Rs. 520,000 to the Department of Marine Engineering at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University is a milestone that marks the commencement of an exciting journey in underwater technology and exploration. This project exemplifies the university"'"s dedication to advancing research, fostering innovation, and cultivating a culture of excellence. Through the synergy of academic prowess and technological innovation, the underwater remotely operated unmanned tethered vehicle project is destined to reshape the landscape of marine research and propel KDU"'"s reputation as a hub of transformative discoveries. 

The Department of Marine Engineering was first established in 1991 under the Director of Academic Studies as a separate department at the Kotelawala Defence Academy. Prior to its establishment, all students were enlisted in the Engineering branch of the Sri Lanka Navy and awarded bachelor’s degrees in Defence Studies based on a Mechanical Engineering background. Based on the emerging national requirements and evolving technologies acquired by the Sri Lanka Navy, the need was identified to establish an educational element that produces competent officers with a sound marine engineering background to serve, especially onboard various ships and other engineering establishments. As such, the Academy became the only governmental institution facilitating a degree programme in Marine Engineering in the country. Later on, the Bachelor’s degree offered by General Sir John Kotelawala University was upgraded to a four-year honors degree in Marine Engineering by adding more competitive Marine Engineering modules to its curriculum.The department currently offers Bachelor of Science in Engineering Honours degrees in two disciplines: BSc Eng (Hons) in Marine Engineering and BSc Eng (Hons) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Accordingly, it has provided the opportunity for day-scholars to earn an internationally recognized Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering for the first time in Sri Lanka.The academia of the department is comprised of professional marine engineers who serve in the Sri Lanka Navy and academic and field experts who serve in local and international institutes and the maritime industry. The Head of Department post was reserved for a senior officer of the Sri Lanka Navy with a sound academic background, professional expertise, and experience in the field of marine engineering. Additionally, three engineers in the Sri Lanka Navy, who are qualified in the fields of Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture are being inducted as Lecturers in the department.The Department is facilitated with several laboratories , a Marine Diesel Engine Simulator, an Engineering Workshop, Design Laboratory, Computer Laboratory, Marine Laboratory, Hydrodynamics Laboratory and Inshore Petrol Craft (IPC) use by the Sri Lanka Navy. The Display Model Laboratory is equipped with different types of marine machinery and associated components that are dedicated towards illustrating practical sessions for the students. The engine simulator continues to provide resourceful professionals with practical knowledge about the operation and watch keeping practices of marine diesel engines and generators. The engineering workshop is equipped with a variety of conventional and sophisticated machineries to assist students to excel in various machining processes used in industry.

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Address :
Department of Marine Engineering,
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University,
Kandawala Estate,
Ratmalana

 

Email : hodmarineeng@kdu.ac.lk

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