Hefring Marine, a leader in intelligent marine technology, has been awarded a grant by the Icelandic Transport Authority (Samgöngustofa) to further critical research on injuries experienced by mariners aboard vessels. This prestigious grant underscores Hefring Marine’s commitment to enhancing safety standards within the maritime industry.
Building on extensive research conducted in 2023 with support from the Icelandic Student Innovation Fund, backed by Rannís (The Icelandic Centre for Research), Hefring Marine identified that 65 per cent of surveyed mariners had suffered injuries during their time aboard, with 69 per cent of those injuries requiring medical attention. These statistics highlight the pressing need for innovation in maritime safety systems.
The awarded project, titled “SKAÐLEG ÁHRIF TITRINGSÁLAGS Á SJÓMENN” (The Impact of Whole-Body Vibration on Mariners), comprises two key objectives:
- Advanced research and data analysis: Diving deeper into the causes and patterns of mariner injuries to inform safety solutions.
- Innovative technology development: Designing a prototype operational guidance system to integrate with the Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS), which helps vessel operators mitigate risks and enhance safety on board.
In collaboration with the National Association of Small Boat Owners (Landssamband smábátaeigenda), Hefring Marine aims to reduce injury rates and elevate industry standards. This grant represents a pivotal step in promoting the well being of mariners and ensuring safer voyages for all.
Prof. Magnús Þór Jónsson, CTO and Co-Founder of Hefring Marine commented: “This grant from the Icelandic Transport Authority reaffirms the vital importance of safety in the maritime industry. We are honoured to contribute cutting edge research and technology to protect mariners and improve their working conditions.”
Hefring Marine was established based on groundbreaking research into shock and impact exposure on high speed boats, a focus that remains central to the company’s mission. A notable example of this commitment is its participation in the Intelliboat project, led by VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S. This initiative explored the effects of wave impacts and vibrations on human performance and safety, with the goal of exploring innovative methods for mitigation and prevention of the often severe effects of such impacts on operators and crew onboard high-speed vessels.
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