Bruce Malcolm

Title: Bruce Malcolm: Innovator in Marine Engineering

Introduction

Bruce Malcolm is a notable inventor based in New Orleans, LA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of marine engineering, particularly with his innovative designs for semi-submersible vessels. His work is characterized by a focus on enhancing the operational capabilities of vessels in harsh environments.

Latest Patents

One of Bruce Malcolm's key inventions is a patent for a dynamically positioned semi-submersible drilling vessel with slender horizontal braces. This invention relates to a semi-submersible vessel designed to operate effectively in challenging conditions. The vessel features a twin-hull pontoon structure that supports four corner caissons extending vertically from the pontoons above the operational draft of the vessel. A pair of slender parallel horizontal braces connects each pair of opposing caissons, which helps to reduce spreading and torque-induced forces acting on the columns without significantly increasing the water plane area of the vessel. Each brace is designed with an internal redundancy feature, divided into two independent watertight compartments to maintain buoyancy even if one compartment is breached. The vessel's station keeping is accomplished through a full dynamically positioned system, which includes multiple thruster assemblies mounted on both the starboard and port sides of the pontoon hull. Bruce Malcolm holds 1 patent for this innovative design.

Career Highlights

Bruce Malcolm has built a successful career at Friede & Goldman, Ltd., where he has been instrumental in developing advanced marine technologies. His expertise in designing semi-submersible vessels has positioned him as a key figure in the industry. His work has contributed to the safety and efficiency of marine operations, particularly in challenging environments.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Bruce has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Eugene E Begnaud and Calvin Vinal Norton. These collaborations have further enhanced the innovative capabilities of the projects he has worked on.

Conclusion

In summary, Bruce Malcolm is a distinguished inventor whose contributions to marine engineering have made a significant impact on the industry. His innovative designs, particularly in the realm of semi-submersible vessels, demonstrate his commitment to advancing technology in challenging environments.