Examples of Projects you can support

The shipping industry currently emits 3% of all greenhouse gases. To help keep global temperatures within safe limits, shipping will have to decarbonise.

Our team was asked to help support the UK drive to decarbonise shipping by supporting the certification of future maritime propulsion technologies. Historically, such certification has been done on a ‘rules-based’ system. However, to help encourage greater innovation from global industry, the UK is moving towards a risk-based certification approach. 

Working with a Principal Consultant, our Graduate engineer conducted detailed analysis of a proposed new vessel hydrogen propulsion system. This involved putting together a regulatory framework to assess use of low flashpoint marine fuels and scrutinising the supplier’s safety documentation against functional requirements outlined in the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels. 

The next task was to conduct a Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) to form a robust argument for safety of the crew and passengers whilst using this novel vessel technology. This required detailed analysis of design documentation and operating procedures to fully understand how the system works and how different design features prevent faults progressing to accidents.

A report on acceptability of the design and recommendation for certification was then produced. Our analysis enabled the new technology to progress to trial, so that industry can gain valuable data in assessing the viability of hydrogen powered vessels in achieving the push to Net Zero. 

Occam Group is one of the UK’s leading, trusted advisors on the safety of novel directed energy weapons. These novel weapon systems have the potential to help provide a much more focussed strike capability, with reduced risk to the public from explosions and unexploded ordnance. 

Our team of engineers have been working on the UK’s two main novel weapon programmes, providing independent safety advice and assurance, to enable the trials of these new capabilities. In the case of laser weapons, there are challenges in capability demonstration associated with lasers firing off-range. 

Given the novel capabilities being trialled, our team has had to apply skills and knowledge to these new problems to help our customer overcome its challenges. For example, we have been providing detailed review of laser reflections trials data, which sought to quantify the reflections from representative targets by empirically determining the divergence of a reflected beam, in turn dictating a workable Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance. Results confirmed that the minimum divergence of the reflected beam from a metallic target is not always aligned with published literature. Our advice helped our customer to underpin new requirements for target materials and firing conditions. 

We have also provided expert input to the design and utilisation of a novel probabilistic-risk-assessment tool to generate estimates of low-divergence flash duration and frequency. Our support enabled our customer to form deterministic and probabilistic arguments for high-energy laser-weapon firing.  

The team were delighted to see the recent successful hosting of the UK’s first high-powered, long-range laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) trial. Our team played an important role in the assurance and approval process for the trial. They thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of working on this cutting-edge novel programme, something which we actively seek and highly value.

Our team has built up an excellent reputation in providing support to enable counter terrorism capabilities enter service and help keep the UK safe. We have built our reputation on delivery of high-quality, rapid and flexible support, enabling the UK Government’s counter terrorism priorities to be met.

This work has included devising proportionate safety and environmental programmes to ensure equipment and capability is thoroughly assessed according to the level of environmental impact and personnel safety they present. Our engineers analysed original equipment manufacturer data to undertake a series of analyses and calculations to define safe operating parameters for the capability.

In more novel situations, our engineers have studied unique scenarios using thermal heat transfer models and conducting calculations of fire scenarios to help demonstrate the public can be kept safe from harm.

Our engineers engage with the various user groups to understand how capabilities and operations are conducted so that a proper evidence-based analytical approach can be taken to setting safety and environmental targets that have to be achieved. They also planned and facilitated a series of meetings to enable smooth acceptance of equipment into service, ensuring the capabilities are there, ready to be used when needed.