About US
Who we are
We started life as the Vessel Technology Assessment Project – an Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) initiative to help the maritime industry understand the benefits of investing in fuel efficient technologies.
The industry told us that the lack of independent verification of the performance claims of Energy Saving Technologies (ESTs) and their novelty are the main barriers to investment.
Vessel Technology Advice and Support – a collaboration between BMT and Black & Veatch – will help overcome these barriers.
Our services
EST Feasibility
Using your data to assess EST feasibility
EST Performance Comparison
Helping you choose the EST that’s right for you
EST Benchmarking
Collecting real-time data to understand current fuel consumption
Design and Installation Support
Our one stop shop for delivering your EST solution
EST Operation Optimisation
Providing advice, training and support to make the most of your EST(s)
EST Procurement
Make the right decisions with our procurement support
Energy Management Plans
Turning data into energy saving action
Supporting Due Diligence
Providing assessment and reporting for due diligence
Finance and Funding
Helping you find the finance and funding to support your EST investment
Business Case Development
Making a case for the EST that’s right for your business
Market Insight
Providing GHG, legislation, EST and market insight
Why work with us
Our independence
At VTAS we’re not aligned to any technology, supplier, owner, operator or financial institution.
We work with EST companies to check the accuracy of their performance claims, and ensure the voice of the customer continues to drive EST R&D programmes.
Our expertise
Our expertise in naval architecture, data modelling and commercial operations will help improve your bottom line.
We are providing fleet performance management and consultancy services to demonstrate the real benefits of ESTs for ship owners, operators, cargo owners, investors and their customers.
Our experience
Our experience is built on a strong pioneering maritime and engineering heritage.
Formed in 1985 from the merger of the UK’s British Ship Research Association and National Maritime Institute, BMT’s pioneering experience includes designing the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier and creating new measuring and monitoring systems for the offshore oil and gas industry.
As a full engineering, permitting and construction services provider, Black & Veatch is working to enable smarter ways to transport goods and people. With its pioneering, patented, PRICO© technology solution it, developed Hilli Episeyo; the world’s first floating liquified natural gas (FLNG) vessel.
Our team
John Buckingham
Technical Specialist
John has over 20 years’ experience of modelling the application of ESTs to a range of ship types to achieve GHG reductions.
Tim Hardy
Business Lead
Tim is a chartered engineer (CEng) and a member of the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (MIMarEST).
Nick Merrick
Business Lead
Nick has multi-sector experience in the UK and overseas on energy saving and the commercial delivery of projects.
Claire Cohen
Finance Consultant
Claire has a PhD in Fluid Mechanics and 14 years’ extensive experience performing economic assessments of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
David Pearson
Technical Specialist
David’s experience includes vessel design for military and commercial sectors, and modelling energy saving technologies for ships.
Charles Yates
Finance Consultant
A former head of Grant Thornton’s renewables team and member of Principal Finance Group, Charles has developed a number of innovative commercial energy efficiency projects to cut emissions.