DNV’s new classification system Nauticus on Board ushers in a new era in class notations. Extending and adapting the Nauticus ship-design and construction program introduced in 1995, the new system enables ship information to be efficiently shared between the owner and DNV through graphic, three-dimensional modelling.
Nauticus on Board
Nauticus notations are mainly based on technical inspections and condition assessments of each ship. In practice, this means that DNV surveyors measure certain parameters, such as wear and corrosion, and then use these measurements to deduce the ships current condition by creating statistics to model a trend over a period of time. By pre-defining the limit values, DNV does not need to intervene physically until these values are reached. The system is designed to follow a vessel from design to eventual scrap, with the data gathered over its lifetime being accessed through a computer-generated 3D model.
One of the main goals during the development of Nauticus on Board has been to create an efficient and user-friendly system for retrieving specific information on the ships entire structure and equipment.
Berreford explains, Many ship logs are kept for up to 25 years, which means there is a mass of accumulated information that should be available in an accessible form in order to be of real value. If we can provide all the significant information at a glance, the owner will be able to exploit our expertise in order to make the right decisions. To achieve this, a three-dimensional model has been developed. Using this, you can go on board via a PC and point to the components on which you want information.
The IT-based information and calculation system of Nauticus is already well-proved and in use by shipowners and shipyards. Now Nauticus on Board takes a further step in providing consistency, expertise and service. We must be able to solve a wide range of problems as well as comply with all the international standards and specifications, says Berrefjord.
Virtual shipyard in Poland
Use of marine databases is not new, but linking them directly to the individual ship through three-dimensional, graphic presentations is an innovation. In order to do this, DNV has established a virtual shipyard, the Nauticus Modelling Centre in Gdansk, Poland. The main reason for Gdansk being chosen is because it is one of the few places in Europe that has the necessary shipbuilding competence to cope with such an ambitious project, says Berrefjord. And with around 4,500 ships to DNV class, the work can be described as both ambitious and demanding.
Close cooperation has been established with the university in Gdansk, where the modelling centre is located. In addition to its able professionals, the IT infrastructure and communication lines to Norway and elsewhere are modern and effective. So far, 45 employees are working full-time on this project, and the number is expected to rise. DNVs local staff in Poland provide assistance.
The Gdansk project started on 1 July 1999, initially focusing on graphic presentation of tankers, to be followed by bulk carriers and container ships. DNVs archives contain data on most types of ship, but the Nauticus modelling is mainly relevant for ships less than 15 years old. Berreford explains, Weve specified all the information we need to model each ship, and receive supplementary information from the owner as required. All the ships important structures are accessible from the keyboard, and other details are readily available. Once the model has been completed, we integrate it into the database. We also ensure that the customer has access to it through DNV Exchange, a program that contains all the basic information, such as the class status and specifications, certificates, recommendations, and survey planning.
Nauticus on Board will be launched on a large scale on 15 January 2000, and will be delivered to customers during the spring. Some of the models are already operational, and the response from users has been positive.
Reducing dry-dock time
An example of the direct value of Nauticus on Board is in reducing time a ship spends in dock. The way the system functions at present, unforeseen findings may arise during surveys and lead to long and costly docking. With Nauticus on Board, a virtual survey can be carried out prior to a ships docking. For example, a shipowner can identify what plates and plate sections need to be replaced; or can calculate coating costs, or how many tonnes of steel and metres of welding seams are necessary. The owner will thus find it easier to prepare a more precise, long-term and cost-effective plan for the ships future.
Through Nauticus on Board, DNV is accommodating owners pressing need to cut down on a vessels time spent out of service so providing accurate estimates of improvement cost and simplifying long-term maintenance planning.