Big data, simulation-based design, traffic management, unmanned shipping: there are a variety of research projects in computer applications for the maritime industry. At COMPIT 2015 experts gathered again to discuss current trends and developments.
About 100 participants attended the 14th conference on »Computer Applications and Information Technology in the Maritime Industries«, which was held[ds_preview] this year at Schloss Ulrichshusen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. A wide range of experts presented information on sophisticated IT applications for the life cycle of ships and offshore structures. The attendees talked for over three days, amongst others about »simulation-based design«, »3D Hull Models«, »Virtual & Augmented Reality«, »Towards Unmanned Ships« and »Big Data & Performance Insight«.
As in other sectors of the economy, research plays an important role in the maritime industry. According to experts there is still some backlog demand in several subsegments. There is no real lack in terms of scientific projects it is being stated from time to time – rather partly problems with the implementation in the industry is to be recognized. During COMPIT this point was raised, too. But there are positive examples also. Thomas Porathe from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) reported in his lecture »Human Factor Aspects in Sea Traffic Management« that pilot schemes involving stronger automation of sea traffic received a positive response by many sailors. Ulf Siwe of the Swedish Maritime Administration shared this experience, when he presented »Sea Traffic Management – Concept and Components«.
In shipbuilding or the design phase respectively, much already depends on IT applications in some areas, which is also true for simulations or high-performance computing (CFD). But there is still potential for more efficient processes. This was showcased by Jan Stilhammer of Altair Engineering with the example of a yacht project in cooperation with Nobiskrug shipyard. Hannes Lindner from the University of Rostock showed the case study »A Modular System Architecture for the early Ship Design by Combining a 3D-CAD System from the Start«. At this project the shipbuilding company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) teamed up. The partners developed a basic design system to replace the GA plan with a modular 3D model. »The CAD system allows a flexible and fast creation and modification of the geometry. This is the basis to keep the time horizon for the concept design. At the same time the product knowledge increases because the geometry data will be calculated and saved automatically. This leads to lower risks in the design«, Lindner stated.
A popular subject was – as in general in the maritime industry right now – unmanned shipping (see article »Fernsteurung auf See« on the following pages).
As in previous years DNV GL was the main sponsor of the event. The next COMPIT will take place in Lecce, Italy, 9–11 May, 2016.
Michael Meyer
