Coming Events and Recent News

Branch Technical Meeting – St Lawrence Branch
Branch Technical Meeting – St Lawrence Branch
June 10, 2025
DATE: TUESDAY, 10 JUNE 2025
TIME: 12:00 Eastern
VIRTUAL: To Join the CLICK HERE
Decarbonizing Shipping
presented by Johannes Lauterbach, Dr.-Ing,
Head of Business Development & Digitalization, Marine Four-Stroke & License
Abstract:
The presentation addresses the challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing maritime shipping. It touches on different pathways (fuels, exhaust, efficiency) with a focus on fuels in particular.
Different technical realization options for various fuel alternatives will be shown, along their individual challenges and benefits, implications for vessels and applicability.
Additionally, the exhaust pathway of GHG emissions will be detailed, putting some focus especially on managing CH4 emissions in shipping, the basic mechanisms and options to reduce their impact.
Speaker: Johannes Lauterbach, Dr.-Ing./ Head of Business Development & Digitalization, Marine Four-Stroke & License
Johannes has fifteen (15) years of experience in engineering and product management of medium speed four-stroke combustion engines. Specializing in product portfolio development for long-term market requirements.
Experience in marine strategies for special markets, four-stroke engine technology, decarbonization, autonomous operation, carbon capture in shipping.
Atlantic Branch – Shipbuilders and Marine Golf Tournament
The Atlantic Branch is participating in the Shipbuilders and Marine Golf Tournament taking place June 12, 2025 at the Chester Golf and Country Club. The branch is putting in a team of 4 and will cover 50% of the entrance fee. If you are interested in participating, please download the registration form HERE.
Great Lakes Branch Annual Golf Tournament
Register for the Great Lakes Annual Golf Tournament taking place Friday June 13, 2025 at Rolling Meadows Golf & Country Club, Niagara Falls.
RSVP before June 6 at cimareglb@gmail.com


Branch Meeting May – Atlantic
Branch Meeting May – Atlantic
May 2025
DATE: THURSDAY, May 15, 2025
TIME: 1200 noon Atlantic Time
LOCATION: Brightwood Golf Club
TITLE: FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTMS – SUPPORTABILITY INTO THE FUTURE
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Conventional Gas-Based Systems (FM-200 and FK-5-1-12 / Novec)
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Viable and Environmentally Friendly Alternatives
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Inert Gas Systems (IG-541)
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Water Mist Systems (Hi-Fog)
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Aerosol Suppression (FirePro)
RSVP
Travis Franklin,
Secretary, Atlantic Branch
travisfranklin67@gmail.com

Branch Event- Atlantic Branch
Branch Event – Atlantic
Battle of the Atlantic Ceremony
May 4, 2025
DATE: SUNDAY, 04 May 2025
TIME: 1025 hrs
LOCATION: Halifax Memorial, Point Pleasant Park
Battle of the Atlantic Memorial – May 4, 2025
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest and one of the most critical naval campaigns of the Second World War, spanning from 1939 to 1945. This campaign was a strategic struggle for control of the North Atlantic, where Allied forces relied heavily on maritime supply routes to transport essential personnel and materials from North America to Europe. German U-boats relentlessly targeted Allied merchant convoys in an effort to disrupt these lifelines, while the Allies responded with coordinated convoy defenses, submarine-hunting tactics, and the development of advanced anti-submarine technologies.
To honour those who served and sacrificed, the annual Battle of the Atlantic Memorial will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Halifax Memorial in Point Pleasant Park.
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Serving and retired members of the armed forces are asked to attend in No. 1 dress with medals.
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All other attendees are kindly requested to wear business attire.
Please RSVP by April 30, 2025 to 902-427-2342 or marlantsovp@forces.gc.ca.
We hope you will join us in paying tribute to the brave individuals who played a vital role in this defining campaign.

Branch Meeting – Vancouver Island
Branch Meeting – Vancouver Island
April 2025
DATE: WEDNESDAY EVENING, 16 April 2025
TIME: 1900
LOCATION: IN THE LOWER WARDROOM AT NADEN, ON THE ESQUIMALT NAVY BASE
It will be a combined “INFORMATION MEETING” and our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
The “Information meeting” will bring members up-to-date on recent National Council and Branch Developments.
The “AGM” will be focused on our Branch activities and executive committee composition.
See the details of our nomination process below
After the business meetings are completed, we’ll be treated to two National Film Board films arranged by Brian Merz “SAFE ESCORT” from the CCG archives and “QUIET FORCES”, from the RCN archives.
Also, A free drink ticket will be issued for each attendee.
The meeting will convene at 1900 on Wednesday, 16 April @ 1900, in the lower lounge of the Naden Officer’s Wardroom (near the dockyard entrance, at 1586 Esquimalt Rd)
Members often arrive early to share conversations with colleagues.
Spouses and guests are always welcome at our Branch meetings!
Meetings have a question and answer period at the end.
Bill Wallace,
Communications Coordinator, for the executive committee
250-661-7369
Historical Events
Technical Webinar: A Case for A BC Historical Vessel Registration Program
C.I.MAR.E. VANCOUVER ISLAND BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: Wednesday, October 20th, 2021
TIME: 19:00 Pacific (22:00 Eastern; 23:00 Atlantic, 23:30 NFLD)
A Case for A BC Historical Vessel Registration Program
Abstract:
We are honored to have Robert G. Allan, P.Eng, FRINA, FSNAME give us a presentation on the Case for A BC Historical Vessel Registration Program.
Robert Allan has been working in the BC marine industry for decades, and recognizes the need for a program which can support the history of the industry on Canada’s West Coast.
That history has produced a number of classic types of West Coast vessels which evolved to cope with the challenges of our coastline, weather, and industry.
There are few remaining examples of some of these types of vessels. Tangible action to protect and preserve them is needed.
Find out how and why at the meeting.
Log into the Members Only Section to access the GoTo Meeting Link or email Bill Wallace at eastwindmarine@gmail.com
Technical Presentation: Coping with CoP26: Climate change and the global shipping industry in 2021
C.I.MAR.E. ATLATNIC BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: THURSDAY, October 14th, 2021
TIME: 12:15 Atlantic (8:15 Pacific, 11:15 Eastern, 12:45 NFLD)
Coping with CoP26: Climate change and the global shipping industry in 2021
Summary:
Jeffrey Smith presents a survey of climate change developments in the global and Canadian shipping industries, in the context of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties next month.
Abstract:
The need to reckon with and reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been apparent to the shipping industry for almost 30 years, even as the overall size of the global trade fleet has steadily increased. The presentation first addresses the nature and trend in emissions. The successes of air pollution control of nitrogen and sulphur compounds are recalled. The treaty arrangements created by states in the International Maritime Organization are considered. Current regulatory measures and the notable commitment of IMO states in 2018 to extensive reductions are explored. The presentation concludes with an evaluation of requirements to come after CoP 26 and the trend of individual states to move to economic and direct regulation of emissions.
Speaker:
Dr. Jeffrey Smith,
Dr. Jeffrey Smith, FCIMarE, is a member of the Atlantic Branch of the Institute. A former RCN chief engineer, he researches climate change in the shipping industry including the development of economic and regulatory measures to address greenhouse gas emissions. Jeffrey advises governments and classification societies in matters as diverse as environmental protection in the Arctic, shipbuilding programs,
Technical Presentation: Improving ship efficiency through Becker Marine Systems Rudders and Mewis Duct
C.I.MAR.E. ST. LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, October 12th, 2021
TIME: 12:00 Eastern (8:00 Pacific, 13:00 Atlantic, 13:30 NFLD)
Wartsila EEXI Engine Power Limitation Energy Efficiency Technology
Abstract:
Founded in 1946 by Willi Becker, Becker Marine Systems (BMS) has become the market leader for high- efficiency maneuvering systems and energy-saving devices for all types of vessels.
With the current introduction of the EEXI and CII in context, an overview of the Becker Marine Systems (BMS) relevant product portfolio is given.
Firstly, a brief insight into rudder theory and a comparison of different rudder types (in terms of efficiency vs. maneuverability) will be given, with a focus on twisted rudders with bulb.
Secondly, the energy-saving device Becker Mewis Duct® and its natural development, the Becker Mewis Duct® Twisted (formerly known as Becker Twisted Fin®), will be presented. With its flexible design approach, the Mewis Duct family works by creating a thrust, reducing the vessel drag by minimizing separation, and improving the propeller efficiency by introducing a pre-swirl. These effects combine to produce effective power reductions for all types of vessels.
With today’s emphasis on efficient performance, optimization of both rudders and ESDs rely heavily on the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. Use of CFD is now core to the design and development of BMS products, and some examples that illustrate how it is used for rudder and ESD optimization will be given.
Speaker:
Lars Koehler, Sales Manager
+49 40 24199-1321 / lko@becker-marine-systems.com
Lars has been with Becker Marine Systems Sales team for 2 years. He is responsible for Sales of Becker Marine Systems in various areas in Europe and Americas. Previously, he held various positions in Sales and Service in the maritime industry.
Lars is a former Navy Officer with a university degree in Industrial Engineering as well as an MBA in International Management.
Steve Leonard, Head – Research & Development (ibmv)
+49 381 36445311 / sle@ibmv.de
Steve has been leading the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) effort at the Becker Marine Systems subsidiary ibmv for 16 years. During this period, he has gained extensive experience in all aspects of marine hydrodynamics, with particular emphasis on rudder, propeller and ESD design, development and optimization as well as model testing. Prior to working within the BMS group, he spent 7 years as part of the Schilling high-lift rudders team at Hamworthy Engineering, and was for many years working in the naval architecture department at the VSEL shipyard.
Steve graduated from University College London in 1990 with a degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, is a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

Vancouver Island Branch Meeting – In Person Harbour Road Yard Tour
Thursday, 16 September is our first in-person meeting in close to two years, and it will be a good one!
Point Hope Maritime is courteously hosting VI branch’s September meeting with a tour of their Harbour Road Yard in the upper harbor.
We’ll assemble inside the gate nearest the Johnson St. Bridge (Old Blue….) for an 1830 tour start.
Parking will be inside the yard gate to the right, one of us will be there to guide you.
IMPORTANT!!
Cyclists coming off the bridge ramp at the head of the yard’s driveway can be a real hazard! They are coasting, fast, and often don’t realize that cars are transiting their bike lanes. Be very alert and cautious as you make the turn into the yard.
AND A REMINDER; Dress for the weather. We’ll be walking outside. Gloves may be useful, sturdy walking shoes are suggested (no open toes or heels!). Bring a mask so that if we go inside we can be compliant with health directives.
For those of you not familiar with the yard, it is a full-service yard, with a full machine shop, assembly hall, welding shop, electrical shop, and a sophisticated painting prep and application crew. Vessels are hauled on a 1200 ton marine railway to a turntable, then the vessels are shunted onto spur tracks where the work is done. They have a fully compliant waste water treatment system, and use advanced hoarding and noise abatement systems to minimize their impact on nearby neighbourhoods.
Sam Johnson, the Production Technical Manager, will guide the tour. He will also describe some of their future plans —it’s quite a vision.
We may be able to get aboard a vessel(s) on the hard, depending on what vessels are hauled that evening.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
1830 SHARP ON THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER
Bill Wallace, VI Branch Comms, for the Executive Committee
Webinar On the Radar: Digitalisation in Subsea Operations & Marine Assets.
The National Council extends an invitation from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology webinar On the Radar: Digitalisation in Subsea Operations & Marine Assets.
As we continue to change, we will through our Web Site encourage participation in the marine community.
Register for a free online panel event, IMarEST On the Radar: Digitalisation in Subsea Operations & Marine Assets.
Taking place on Wednesday 23 June, our specialist panellists will discuss the use of digital twins in the imminent transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy. Looking at the digitalisation of marine and subsea assets, experts will also examine the transfer of skills that will be required for this transition to take place, taking knowledge from the oil and gas sector into the green energy space.
The event will be available for registrants to watch on-demand if unable to watch live.
You can find out more about our panellists, and register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/imarest-on-the-radar-digitalisation-in-subsea-operations-marine-assets-tickets-153598734951
Technical Presentation: Wind Propulsion
C.I.MAR.E. ST LAWRENCE BRANCH INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR AN INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 8th, 2021
TIME: 12:00 Eastern (9:00 Pacific, 13:00 Atlantic, 13:30 NFLD)
WIND PROPULSION WITH GAVIN ALLWRIGHT and KONSTANTINOS M FAKIOLAS:
Abstract:
Overview of wind propulsion developments in the market and the potential for wind propulsion systems to help decarbonise commercial shipping. An introduction to the various technology systems and their attributes. Focusing on forecasts for development, recent installations and the pipeline for projects over the next 2-3 years. A discussion of the main drivers and barriers to the adoption and scaling of wind propulsion systems and wind assist ship propulsion (WASP). The following theme topics presented:
• The Wind potential in Oceans (5’)
• Available WASP technologies (5’)
• Principles of Thrust generation from WASP (10’)
• Ship Integration of Wind propulsion systems (10’)
• Regulatory developments (IMO, Class) (10’)
Speakers:
Gavin Allwright,
Secretary General, International Windship Association (IWSA)
Gavin Allwright is the Secretary General of the International Windship Association (IWSA). www.wind-ship.org Established in 2014, this not-for-profit has grown to 130+ members from across the shipping industry and is working to promote and facilitate the uptake of wind
propulsion solutions in commercial shipping. Alongside his work as association secretary, he also leads the policy work stream, requiring regular attendance at IMO, EU and national government level meetings and sits on the stakeholders advisory committee for the MTCC network at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). www.decadeofwindpropulsion.org
Gavin is also a non-executive board member for the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA), a work package leader on the EU Interreg Wind Assist Ship Propulsion (WASP) and advisor on various shipping decarbonisation projects. He is a regular guest lecturer at the UN World Maritime University (WMU) and holds a Masters degree in Sustainable Development, specialising in small scale sustainable shipping and logistics in developing countries and was an expert reviewer for the IPCC special report on 1.5C climate change.
Konstantinos M. Fakiolas,
Naval Architect & Marine Engineer
Konstantinos is a Naval Architect & Marine Engineer, graduate from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), with Master Thesis on Ship Hydrodynamics (CFD Analysis), and further post-graduate studies in Marine Technology and Ocean Science with focused specialization in energy efficiency of ships.
Involved in the Shipping Industry since the year 1998, working as a Surveyor on behalf of Flag Administrations, Naval Architect-Designer for Passenger/Ferry/Mega Yacht Ships, New buildings and Retrofit Supervisor and engineering Project Manager for RoRo-passenger and wet/dry/gas commercial cargo ships, working in Asia closely with Shipyards for custom designed energy efficient cargo ships and ship conversions for energy efficiency.
Since 2014 studying Wind propulsion technologies on ships, developing reference projects and participating in research projects such as WiSP JIP, being a member of the International Wind Ship Association. He is the Author of the 1st Industry Book about Wind propulsion for commercial ships, the ‘Wind
Propulsion Principles’.
