In a session about the rising connectivity in the maritime industry and advanced ship design, DNV GL experts Nikos Kakalis[ds_preview] and Knut Erik Knutsen started with a glimpse at the exponential growth in computing power to illustrate the profound change in computing: One modern mobile phone holds the same computing power as the whole Apollo Program (1963–1972) for human spaceflight. A potential for new generations of vessels will therefore be created by connectivity and the developments in software engineering.
Pathways in advanced ship design include a virtual ship laboratory, energy efficient design and next generation emulation. Since new computer-aided models are by far more efficient, a »new global ship design paradigm whereby all challenges and solutions can be simultaneously addressed« is within reach. Instead of a segmented design process, holistic, multidisciplinary solutions will be possible. »Between 2020 and 2030, virtual and rapid prototyping tools will become a standard«, a DNV GL paper on the »Future of Shipping« expects. As for energy efficient design, »electric propulsion will be commonplace for many ship types by 2020«, the paper says.
Kakalis introduced DNV GL technology COSSMOS, an integrated platform for ships that features design, safety and cost aspects all in one. Making use of new emulation technologies, bio-inspired solutions become more important than ever. Knutsen continued with an overview of DNV GL’s strategic research in this field and talked about »factors that trigger a new industrial revolution«. The »power of statistics« and »big data« was debated following the example of google translation algorithms which allow the program to »learn« of previous translations. This debate led to the controversial question whether optimisation is a value in its very own right or rather a tool. It will take some time until »big data« will be reality: DNV GL expects the first full-scale integrated emulators will not appear before 2030 and will not reach maximum maturity until 2050.
SG/nis
