DLTM

Actions developed to rely on ERDF, ESF and FSC funds

Scope: 2007-2013 Community programme

ERDF Regione Liguria tenders

The Region of Liguria has in recent years issued specific calls for research and innovation projects for SMEs participating in DLTM and Polo DLTM, some in collaboration with large companies and research organizations, for a total appropriation of resources amounting to 16.8 million euro.

Here is a summary of the results:

• First FESR call (ed. 2011): 28 projects financed with a value of over €10m and funding of over €5m involving eleven large companies and 63 SMEs, in collaboration with UNIGE and EPR.
• 2° Notice ERDF (Ed. 2012): 40 projects initially presented with a value of over €20m, involving nine large companies and 75 SMEs, in collaboration with UNIGE and EPR.

FSC call (ex. FAS)-Poli di Ricerca Regione Liguria

As for the FSC research unit funds of €15m, the district team has had three projects approved.

These are now under way at a total cost of about €3.4m and with financing of some €1.83m.

Youth plan

Participation in three specialist training projects financed by the Piano Giovani of the Ligurian region (specialist postgraduate courses in 3D/4D, FEM and CFD, hydrologist specialising in monitoring systems for marine weather events, specialist in integrated management systems)

Two-year research grants based on ESF Liguria regional funds

More than 40 projects to fund 80 two-year bursaries for young researchers, based on ESF Liguria regional funds, gradually depleting in 2015 with a total of €4m;

This has provided significant job opportunities for the young people involved, mostly in companies

Centre for Research and Innovation (PoloDLTM)

Fifty percent co-financed during the startup phase (2012-2014) from regional funds, and currently the subject of new infrastructure investment for 2015-2017. Among the main activities carried out in the first phase were the creation of research laboratories and of an innovation desk for SMEs, and the conclusion of a feasibility study by the International School of Marine Technology.

Cross-border project: Italy - Maritime France 2013 - 2015

SERENA 2.0. is a cross-border cooperation project between French and Italian regions (Genoa, La Spezia, Pisa, Lucca, Cagliari, Sassari and Ajaccio).

Its general objective is to develop two cross-border networks, one on employment and one on education and vocational training. It is intended to improve the quality and quantity of access to public services by citizens and companies, and to promote the expansion of training and employment opportunities. It involves specific action to stimulate cross-border mobility, encourage economic integration in the nautical sector, and institutional integration in the fields of active labour policies, education, and training.

One of the main objectives of Serena 2.0 is the creation of a cross-border network of highly specialised marine technology training centres, located in Liguria, Sardinia, Corsica, and Tuscany.

DLTM established a centre for Liguria, located in La Spezia, to provide training in vessel engineering and design. This is located at the ITS Nuove Tecnologie per il Made in Italy, at Via Doria 2. The Serena Laboratory is equipped with advanced nautical design hardware and software, including cloud-based applications developed as part of the INNAUTIC project.

Cross-border project: Italy - Maritime France 2013 - 2015

This project, started on 21 June 2013, will create monitoring system to measure wave motion in the province of La Spezia, via seismometers installed on the ground.

DLTM built the hardware and software infrastructure for the micro seismic monitoring network and the management of the data via a web interface.

Cross-border project: Italy - Maritime France 2007 - 2013

The project was launched in 2010 and mainly involves the realization of an innovative cloud-based platform allowing nautical companies around the Mediterranean to use advanced design technology.

Its objective was to create a network of technology districts in the regions of Liguria, Tuscany, Sardinia and Corsica, by creating a Mediterranean pole/cross-border cluster capable of delivering shared services and regional governance to assess and predict the real needs and exploit existing opportunities for the development of the nautical sector.

DLTM activities:

• Development of web-based design resources available via the supercomputing laboratory
• Hold seminars and other events to promote innovation and technology transfer
• Support specialist spinoffs from the University of Genoa

A project of the maritime Italy and France cross-border cooperation programme, 2007-2013

Creation of networks and cooperation between enterprises. http://www.fri-net.eu/it/

The project operated within the cross-border cooperation programme to support the development and creation of networks and partnerships in the geographical area of PO Italia Francia Marittimo (Liguria, Corsica, Sardinia, Tuscany, and PACA) in the nautical, tourism, nanotechnology, energy, and green and blue biotechnology sectors.

The project was launched in November 2014 by a partnership consisting of Filse Spa, Unioncamere Liguria, Promocamera - Azienda Speciale della Camera di Commercio di Sassar, Chambre de Commerce et Industrie de la Haute Corse and Pontedera & Tecnologia - PONT - TECH.

In order to promote collaboration and relationships between companies in the regions involved, the partnership requested the involvement of the entire regional economic system.

Action

• Involvement of SMEs in further initiatives in the programme, which is in the process of definition.
• Addition of Polish, German, French, Spanish and Finnish marine/maritime clusters.

“Researchers' Night” is an annual initiative promoted by the European Commission since 2005, involving thousands of researchers and institutions in all European countries.

The goal is to create opportunities for meeting between researchers and citizens to disseminate scientific culture and knowledge of the research professions. The events held throughout the region on 26 September 2014 consisted of scientific experiments and demonstrations, exhibitions and guided visits, conferences, seminars, shows, and concerts.

The venues for the La Spezia night in 2014 were located throughout the city. They were provided free of charge by the port authority, the city council, the Italian Naval Technology Museum, the U. Formentini Archaeological Museum, and the Contrappunto bookshop. The events were attended by 2,543 people, plus over 500 students who participated in activities dedicated to them.

The 2015 edition took place on 25 September at the navy arsenal, the Museo Tecnico Navale, the Circolo Ufficiale MMI, and the planetarium of the Istituto Capellini-Sauro.

DLTM is a partner in the project, led by the municipality of Genoa.

Financed by ENPI-CBC-MED funds, MEDSEATIES is a cross-border cooperation project that coordinates local action for the integrated management of coastal zones.

Duration: January 2014 - December 2015

DLTM is a partner in the project, led by AVITEM, France.

Financed by ENPI-CBC-MED funds, MEDSEATIES is a cross-border cooperation project that coordinates local action for the integrated management of coastal zones. The partnership is composed of 12 players from Italy, France, Greece, Lebanon, and Jordan.

The project is in an advanced state of implementation. After gathering data on the current state of coastal management in these five countries, the partnership is preparing a pilot project involving:

1. A bottom-up approach to the management of a stretch of coastline (from citizens and stakeholders to institutions);
2. An example of good practice that can be exported to other countries and financed under the new ENPI CBC MED 2014-2020 programme.

In Liguria, the pilot involved five municipalities along the coast of Genoa, the community of Prà, to the West of the city, and local amateur sports associations and educational and training bodies.

CLIPPER - creating a leadership for maritime industries - new opportunities in Europe

Project submitted and approved within axis 2 of the INTERREG EUROPE PROGRAMME 2014-2020 – PROMOTING COMPETITIVENESS OF SMEs - OS 2.1 - Improved implementation of regional development policies and programmes.

Duration: January 2017 - June 2021

The project aims to make small and medium-sized enterprises more entrepreneurial by setting up regional support structures, developing instruments other than subsidies, and strengthening the economic profiles and global competitiveness of seven regions with marine interests. DLTM coordinates WG3, a workgroup supporting the internationalisation of SMEs.

The CLIPPER project was presented and approved in the context of the INTERREG Europe programme 2014-2020

Total budget: €1,347,050: DLTM €139,865 financed for 75% (i.e. a €34,966.25 contribution).

Partners: lGTM has partnered with Région des Pays de la Loire (French industry body), Conférence des Régions Périphériques Maritimes d'Europe (CRPM), Fundación Asturiana de la Energía (FAEN), Fife Council (Great Britain), Koneteknologiakeskus Turku OY (Finland), Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Fachhochschule Kiel GmbH (Germany), and Javna ustanova RERA S.D. za Koordinaciju i Razvoj Splitskodalmatinske županije (Croatia).

Website: http://www.interregeurope.eu/clipper/

Transfer to the former B. Falcomatà military hospital, and enhancement of the cooperative research laboratories

Scope: New DLTM headquarters at Ospedale B. Falcomatà and enhancement of the cooperative research labs

New headquarters and improved research laboratories

Completed start-up of cooperative laboratories (CoRe Labs), which will, over the next three years, receive €2 million in PAR-FSC funds to fully develop their research activities and operate more efficiently.

It will enhance the supercomputing centre by acquiring a new HPC cluster and cutting-edge software tools. The marine laboratory is to set up a monitoring station as part of the EMSO European network.

This will be managed by INGV, with all DLTM partners being involved.

DLTM will receive €3 million in PAR FSC funds to build its new headquarters at the Polo Marittimo della Spezia, formerly the B. Falcomatà military hospital. This strategically located site will allow even closer networking with the Polo Universitario Marconi della Spezia, including shared research laboratories.

Scheduled completion: 2016/2017

YSW - Yachts Single Windows

Scope: Shipbuilding and marine technologies

Duration: September 2012 - February 2016

The YSW Project focuses on pleasure boating safety and the use of information technology by the yachting sector. Its main objectives can be summarized as follows:

• Design, prototyping, and laboratory and field testing of a next-generation pleasure-boating safety system.
• Design, prototyping, and laboratory and field testing of next-generation information systems that add value for the yachting sector. The platform will also incorporate environmental sensors and detection apparatus for data collection purposes.

Partners:  SELEX ES, IB, RINA, INFOPORTO, SITEP YACHTING, UNIGE

USV SWAD - Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Blue Water SWAD  

Scope: Naval defence and security technology

Duration: September 2012 - May 2016

The study aims to develop high-tech autonomous or crewed vehicles in line with the international expansion of this market. These will be fast, stable, and reliable, and able to operate ongoing blue-water missions under remote control. A technology demonstrator, together with local and remote portable control stations, will be used to verify the performance and operability of the system, and thus the feasibility of the project. This has the following main missions:

• Patrol and escort
• Discovery and deterrence of “pirate” vessels
• Onboard navigation systems support, for targeting stabilisation and integration with environmental analysis equipment
• Towing target simulators, and simulating fast targets
• Rapid intervention for vessels that require assistance and/or protection

Partners:  ELSEL, INSIS, NUOVA CONNAVI, SITEP ITALY, INGV, OTO MELARA, UNIGE

RIMA: Development of technology and software for an integrated Mediterranean marine and coastal environmental management forecasting system 

Scope: Environmental technologies

Duration: October 2012 - September 2016

The proposed project follows an analysis of the current marine operating systems, which are seen as misaligned with EC strategies and indicate the need for an integrated system of observation and forecasting. The RIMA project involves developing state-of-the-art software and hardware for forecast data management and access, and promoting improvements in technological development platforms. The aim of the project is also to demonstrate that the availability of real-time sea data and forecasts can help prevent environmental and infrastructural problems. The project's most urgent priorities could be:

• Monitoring in line with European directives
• Forecasting hydrocarbon spill movements, and producing pollutant dispersion maps for coastal/port zones

Partners:  SELEX ES, DELTA PROJECTS 2000, INSIS, INGV, ENEA, CNR, DHI, GRAALTECH, DLTM, UNIGE

FluMarTurb: Fluid dynamics of turbine machinery for marine energy systems with low environmental impact

Scope: Shipbuilding and marine technologies

Duration: September 2015 - December 2016

Fluid dynamics of marine turbines, related to their increasing use and development in the naval field and in response to market demand for lower weight for the same power, greater efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. The research will follow three main routes:

• Fluid dynamics of compact steam turbines for ship propulsion systems with low environmental impact
• Fluid dynamics of centrifugal pumps for high performance and low environmental impact
• Development of software for CFD analysis of seawater feed tanks and channels to pumping stations, and optimizing the geometry of pump inlet cells

Partners:  FINCANTIERI, TERMOMECCANICA PUMPS, UNIGE

PYXIS: Integral shaft for Military vessel system 

Scope: Naval defence and security technology

Duration: December 2012 - November 2016

Study of an integrated shaft (MAST) for military vessel systems aimed at reducing current conflicts between equipment (antennas and sensors), improving general performance by resolving numerous technical problems. The project will overcome the current compromise between equipment in favour of a more modern and competitive design approach, not based on compromise and in line with external strategies.

The main issues addressed will be:

• Integration of the shaft into the platform (space, structural strength, electrical absorption, heat dissipation, fluid-dynamic compatibility of structure and gases)
• Mutual electromagnetic interference
• Compliance with electromagnetic signature (RCS) requirements
• Electromechanical interference between shaft wiring and all other platform systems.

Partners:  FINCANTIERI, SELEX ES, NEW CONNAVI, SELMAR, IDS, ELSEL, UNIGE

Technology cluster for military vessel

Scope: Naval defence and security systems, shipbuilding and marine technology

Duration: January 2012 - October 2015

Technology update in response to more restrictive functional requirements in overall complexity of the vessel design process. The study aims to improve functional requirements of naval vessels, focusing on critical technology areas:

• Acoustic signature and induced noise on ship sensors
• Magnetic signature, dynamic positioning
• Modular cabins
• Structural adhesion

The project aims to obtain competitive and advanced results in the context of the application.

Partners: CNR, FINCANTIERI EUROGUARCO, SEASTEMA, UNIGE

Project C3ISR - Command, control, smart tactical communications, net-centred surveillance and recognition with capacity to integrate unmanned vessels (UXV)

Scope: Naval defence and security technology

Duration: September 2012 - December 2015

Concept-to-capability realisation of a net-centred operational tactical command and control system demonstrator to manage manned and unmanned entities (C3ISR: command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and recognition), and to validate these using simulators at opposing parties defined during the research.

Fields of research:

• Development of ISR functional capacity
• Development of net-centred functional command and control capacity
• Development of specific features relating to communication and net-centricity
• Modelling scenarios and developing operational demonstration environment

ProDifCon - Integrated military naval planning, defence and control

Scope: Naval defence and security technology

Duration: September 2012 - August 2015

The project brings together the ship and payload platforms, pursuing the Whole Warship concept in all phases of the unit's life:

• From design - developing a new methodology that supports the critical phase of ship configuration definition
• Through decision-making support - developing a prototype system to integrate the information available to the commander of the combat system and the platform
• To operations, analysing a modern operating scenario (asymmetrical threat) in which naval units operate, and the interweaving of the platform and the combat system is extremely critical

Partners:  HORIZON SN, FINCANTIERI, SEASTEMA, IBR SISTEMI, UNIGE

Autonomous surface vehicle for ongoing monitoring of the marine environment

Scope: Shipbuilding, marine and environmental technologies

Duration: June 2012 - May 2015

The project provides for the development of a modular and expandable system of autonomous surface units, capable of launching and retrieving various autonomous to acquire environmental data for civil and military applications, in particular:

• Finding and managing ordnance and/or drums of hazardous substances
• Producing high-resolution bathymetric profiles
• Integration of anti-intrusion and coastal surveillance systems

The vehicles will be designed and developed on the SWATH hull. They will be small, highly autonomous, and operationally efficient, to expand the area of sea that can be inspected and avoid related to spatial and temporal under-sampling.

Partners:  INTERMARINE, CNR, SELMAR, SITEP, INGV

Signed memorandum of understanding for a shared transformation towards a “smart community” or city, partly in view of the new financial opportunities offered by Community plans for 2014-2020.

Activities

Signed memorandum of understanding for a shared transformation towards a “smart community” or city, partly in view of the new financial opportunities offered by Community plans for 2014-2020. The aim of this protocol is to develop, in close synergy with local public and private stakeholders (CSSN, INGV, CNR, ENEA, DLTM, Promostudi La Spezia, Comune della Spezia, Autorità  Portuale della Spezia, Provincia della Spezia, Camera di Commercio Industria Artigianato Agricoltura della Spezia), a common programme of action to create a wide-area communications community in order to generate skills, high-tech, innovation, research, technology transfer, new forms of cooperation between companies and new public-private partnerships, to accelerate development and improve the region's attractiveness and quality of life.

These have led to the creation of five themed work schedules for each of the areas of interest identified for La Spezia, coordinated by the Comune di La Spezia and technical and methodological support by the Fondazione Torino Wireless, which won the contract.

Schedule 5 is devoted to innovation and marine technologies. Coordinated by the Port Authority of La Spezia, together with DLTM as team leader, the schedule will cover the following topics: technological innovation tied to new needs, as highlighted by the European Directive on Marine Strategy; short- and medium-range marine navigation; the implementation of mobility strategies in Italy; suitability of logistics to public need; recovery and conservation of nautical tradition; transmission of scientific and technological knowledge to future generations.

The objective is to introduce five projects to be carried out in the region, one of which could be funded by RL on the "City" axis of the new ERDF 14-20 programme, while the other four can be financed under European H2020 tenders.