SDARI, BV and NAPA joint project validates benefits of 3D model-based classification approvals

20 November 2023 – Bureau Veritas (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection and certification, the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI) and NAPA, a global provider of maritime software and data services, have completed the first phase of a Joint Development Project (JDP) to enable 3D model-based approvals for the classification of ships.  

The project validated the feasibility of 3D model-based approvals (3D MBA), where classification reviews are directly based on the 3D model provided by the designer, rather than requiring multiple conversions to 2D drawings, which is the traditional process. The objective is to boost efficiency in the design process, saving time and costs, while improving accuracy and communication between all parties involved in a design, including shipyards, naval architects and engineers, shipowners, and classification societies.

The JDP confirmed that the expected benefits of 3D MBA were achieved, with the project demonstrating an improvement of design review quality as well as enhanced collaboration between all parties. 

The first phase of the project tested the entire classification process to ensure that all steps were properly carried out and improve the various software as needed. A well-known ship designer under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), SDARI adopted NAPA Steel software, while BV used NAPA Designer for the automatic generation of the calculation models to perform rule checks. Using an open file format (OCX) generated by NAPA Designer, BV could use the 3D model provided by SDARI to perform the design review using its in-house rule checking software: MARS and VeriSTAR Hull. BV’s structure assessment comments were then associated directly to the 3D model, which facilitated a better understanding and seamless communication between BV and SDARI.

This joint project demonstrates BV’s digital leadership and is supporting SDARI’s ambition to improve design processes through 3D technology.

Lu Li, Vice President at SDARI said: “We are proud to take the next step in our digital transformation, by developing 3D model-based approval procedures in collaboration with NAPA and BV. This will significantly streamline ship design processes, thereby boosting our capacity and competitiveness at a time when the decarbonization transition brings new challenges for ship designers and engineers. With this project, we found that using 3D models with BV for classification rule checks and approvals is a win-win situation.” 

Mikko Forss, Executive Vice President for Design Solutions at NAPA, said: “This fruitful collaboration with BV and SDARI has proven that 3D model-based approval can make the design process more streamlined, efficient, and collaborative. As such, 3D MBA is an essential foundation for the fast-paced innovation that is needed to deliver the next generation of greener, energy efficient vessels that are demanded by the industry. Using a 3D model consistently as a “single source of truth” will help all parties work together efficiently to deliver the best possible designs, while also enhancing their own productivity to ensure strong, profitable businesses.”