Lodz University of Technology, in collaboration with partners from Spain, the Netherlands, France, Portugal and Hungary, completed the FIBRE4YARDS project, which won in the ‘Maritime Transport and Shipbuilding’ category. The winning projects were presented in Paris on 4 March at JEC World 2025, the leading international trade fair for composites. The event attracts the attention of experts, scientists and entrepreneurs from all over the world every year.
The JEC World Innovations awards recognise the most innovative projects that have the potential to transform industries ranging from aviation to construction. They highlight the importance of collaboration between companies, research institutions and universities (the FIBRE4YARDS project involved 11 partners), and the winners of these awards gain global recognition.
FIBRE4YARDS developed innovative composite manufacturing technologies for the automation and modular construction of ships. In addition, the project has developed design tools and manufacturing software based on the Internet of Things (IoT). These innovations streamline production, reduce environmental impact, improve quality and reduce shipbuilding costs.
Prof. Ireneusz Zbiciński from the Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, who coordinates the project at TUL, emphasises - Our task was to determine the environmental effects associated with the production of vessels made of FRP - a composite material made of support fibres embedded in thermosetting resin, their operation, maintenance, dismantling and disposal at the end of their life cycle. Prof. Zbiciński points out that the JEC Innovations awards are not only a prestigious accolade. They also drive change and progress in the world of composites. They enable innovative projects to gain global recognition and be implemented, helping to drive sustainability and improve quality of life.
The project team included: dr Aleksandra Ziemińska-Stolarska, dr Monika Pietrzak (Faculty of Chemistry) and initially, dr Dorota Markowska.