New environmental management and life cycle technologies for the shipbuilding industry

University of New Orleans licensed new technologies to Louisiana firm

(New Orleans)- The University of New Orleans recently licensed two technologies developed in the College of Engineering to a Louisiana-based software development firm. SofTek Systems, Inc. has signed a contract with the University of New Orleans Technology Transfer Office to promote and market two software applications developed by UNO engineer Dr. Bhaskar Kura through the University's Gulf Coast Region Maritime Technology Center (GCRMTC).

These two software applications will be available to the shipbuilders and repair yards on a fee-basis. The two software applications being marketed are:

• Expert Environmental Management System (EMS) for Shipyards - This expert system is capable of calculating multimedia emissions based on the materials used and processes adopted using the built-in knowledge base. Also, it generates automated reports, Toxic Release Inventory, Air Emissions Inventory, Discharge Monitoring Reports, Hazardous Waste Reports, and others. It serves as a decision support system to identify cleaner alternatives, minimize multimedia emissions, and reduce environmental impact. This expert system also assists in tracking environmental performance and provides feedback for continuous improvement.
• Life Cycle Costing and Assessment for Shipyard Blasting and Painting: A Computer Model - This model calculates the life cycle costs associated with shipyard blasting and painting operations ans assists shipyards in selection of alternative materials, equipment, and process conditions for Shipyard Blasting and Painting (direct, indirect, and societal costs associated with shipyard blasting and painting operations). Direct costs include, labor, materials, energy, and equipment costs; indirect costs include waste generation fees, waste handling fees, and waste disposal fees; and the societal costs include equivalent cost of the environmental impact/public health impact.

Bhaskar Kura, the software's developer, is currently serving as an associate professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at UNO. Additionally, he also serves as an Associate Director of Maritime Environmental Resources and Information Center (MERIC). He is a member and active participant of the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP).

SofTek Systems, Inc. is a Metairie-based consulting company engaged in developing software applications in engineering, banking, insurance, and medical disciplines.