NYK Group begins trials utilizing 3D models in design of new LPG tanker

Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and its group company MTI, in collaboration with Smert Design, have launched a trial to utilise 3D models in the initial design phase of ship construction.

As part of the joint research project titled "Ship Design Streamlining Project by Front Loading," the three companies will implement the Basic Design Platform (BDP) into the ship design software CADMATIC and use it to design an LPG tanker for Kyoei Tanker to be built by Murakami Hide Shipbuilding.

NYK said the trial aims to model 3D design information of existing similar and sister vessels and facilitate smooth decision-making by both shipyards and shipping companies for the exchange of requests, ideas, comments, and other details on the same system for the design applicable to each ship.

NYK said that, by visualising the completed ship at an early design stage, the ship design can be understood intuitively. Also, use of the same system by all parties involved reduces the work and processes required for design, thus enabling earlier decision-making regarding ship design.

In addition, by utilising the 3D design as a 3D model-based ship management tool and by converting the finished plans, which were conventionally delivered as 2D drawings after completion of the ship, into 3D, the partners expect to reduce the workload on crewmembers in understanding the drawings.

The two companies will verify the effectiveness of BDP in reducing workload and improve the system based on the results.