On March 28, NYK received approval for 3D drawing (3D Model-Based Approval) from ClassNK of the basic design of a new multi-purpose container vessel.
This is the first case ever for an oceangoing ship to complete the entire basic design process, including classification approval, using only 3D drawings, according to NYK and ClassNK (as of March 28, 2024).
Currently, 2D drawings of the structural design of new ships are commonly shared between shipowners, shipyards, shipping companies, and classification societies. Even if a shipping company or shipyard has created 3D drawings during basic design, they had to be converted to 2D drawings, which is the established standard format, when applying to classification societies for approval because 3D CAD systems differ among companies and ship types. In addition, classification societies needed to check whether the requirements were met by using a 3D model evaluation system based on the 2D drawing data they received, making it necessary for both parties to improve efficiency. Moreover, many years of experience and a high level of expertise were required to understand the complex 2D drawings accurately, and the granularity of information-sharing among the parties involved in the design process depended on the person in charge.
In designing the new ship, NYK and ClassNK, who were aware of these issues, worked together to achieve this approval process.