Darren Guillory, technical solutions specialist, SSI discusses how the NSRP has helped to create competitive advantage for US shipbuilders

The NSRP provides research and development grants to help shipyards develop and deliver concepts that add value to shipbuilding projects and support an investment case for the US Navy and government. Fulfilling these contracts represents a huge investment of time for shipyards; they need an “innovation” mindset that can anticipate complex requirements that are likely to change over time. The NSRP provides a framework for that innovation and tools that enable all interested US shipyards to adopt benefits identified by the program.

The NSRP also provides a means to improve technology development and adoption to the wider benefit of the defense shipbuilding sector. Yards still bid competitively for projects but since all NSRP members have access to final reports, they stand to benefit from the shared knowledge. Ultimately the US ship design and building industry is better suited to serve the US Government through pooling of knowledge and capability.