Parsons and Marine Engineering Turbine Research and Development Association
1944 A new research and development organisation was formed by 19 shipbuilding and marine engineering companies; its name would be Parsons and Marine Engineering Turbine Research and Development Association (PAMETRADA)[1]. Its work included the design and practice of marine turbine propelling machinery.
c.1965 Pametrada provided the turbine designs for the ship built by John Brown and Co for Cunard which was named QEII. These turbines proved to be problematic in service, blamed on pushing design expertise beyond capabilities of the design team. "They (Pametrada) were set up after the war to provide a corporate design service for the various engine works attached to the shipyards, and did some quite good work in their time. But long before the QE2 came along their orders had reduced to a trickle and many of the best men had left." "But surely the QE2 engines are pretty advance? True, but anybody can push pressures and temperatures. The art lies in minimising the risk of trouble, which depends on design skills, and above all a broad program of development towards higher powers. Pametrada did not possess this experience. The QE2 engines were and are quite unique." [2]
1961 Proposal to form the British Ship Research Association by bringing together the British Shipbuilding Research Association and the Parsons and Marine Engineering Research and Development Association[3]
1967 October. The company was closed down. This had been planned some time in advance of the problems with QE2 turbines.