Damen Engineering has announced the completion of their first vessel design to be entirely created, reviewed and class-approved using 3D models in collaboration with leading classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) and global maritime software provider NAPA.
The 2500 m3 dredger concept is the first Damen vessel concept to receive Bureau Veritas certification using 3D model-based classification approval (3D MBA) – a process in which class societies review and approve designs using 3D models rather than 2D drawings, the current norm. Following this successful implementation of 3D MBA, Damen has confirmed that the process is already being applied to further designs including a 1000 m3 and a 4000 m3 hopper dredger.
A NAPA Steel 3D model created by Damen Engineering for structural design, and used by Bureau Veritas for classification approvals.
These 3D model-based designs and approvals are supported by NAPA’s cutting edge technology which enables Damen and Bureau Veritas to work collaboratively on the same 3D model throughout the design and review process. From the very first project, the deployment of 3D MBA has yielded positive results, streamlining communication and saving time. Critically, 3D MBA also eliminates a major potential source of errors, as Damen no longer needs to translate the 3D models it uses to design vessels into 2D drawings for class approvals, and then back again into 3D to implement the changes.
This first approval follows a partnership between NAPA and Bureau Veritas to implement 3D model based approvals using a neutral OCX file format generated by NAPA Designer that enables BV to perform its prescriptive rule checks and calculations utilizing its in-house tools MARS and VeriSTAR Hull.
Kasia Romantowska, Managing Director of Damen Engineering Gdansk, part of the Offshore and Specialized Vessels Division of the Damen Group, commented: “From the outset, 3D model-based approval has delivered on its promises, helping our teams save valuable time. We have been using NAPA’s 3D design tools for a long time and being able to go through classification reviews and approval on the same 3D model is a game-changer. Now, all stakeholders in the design process have access to a single, reliable and real-time source of information and this is key to facilitate communication and limit the risk of errors. For Damen Shipyards Group, deploying 3D MBA is also an example of our constant commitment to innovation and this move will help us deliver the safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable ships that will help our clients achieve their goals, whether it is to reduce their environmental footprint or improve their performance.”
Mikko Forss, Executive Vice President at NAPA Design Solutions, said: “Implementing 3D models throughout the design and approval processes of new ships is the way of the future, unlocking a new level of collaboration and information-sharing in the ship design process. This creates a win-win situation that helps teams innovate together, enabling them to make the most of time and resources to deliver the best possible designs. This is particularly important at a time when the decarbonization transition is increasing the pressure on designers and shipyards to create a new generation of greener and more efficient vessels, and incorporate new fuels and technologies on board. We are proud to see 3D MBA supporting real-life projects today and this is thanks to the pioneering spirit of all partners, supported by robust, transparent and comprehensive digital tools.”
Laurent Leblanc, Senior Vice President Technical & Operations at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “We are delighted to deliver this approval for Damen’s 2500 m3 dredger concept which is the result of our collective determination to make 3D model-based approvals a reality in our industry. This milestone demonstrates the effectiveness and viability of 3D MBA to support closer and more efficient collaboration between designers and our classification surveyors while ensuring that all safety and regulatory standards are met. This collaboration with NAPA and Damen is a tangible demonstration of BV’s commitment to work with pioneers in our industry, supporting the safe innovation needed to meet the safety and sustainability challenges ahead.”
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About Damen Engineering Gdansk, part of Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Engineering Gdansk is competence center for engineering to order, one offs and prototypes vessels with a strong drive for optimizing ship performance.
Damen Engineering Gdansk was established in 2013 with 18 employees on board. Since then developed competences, skills and knowledge to almost reach 160 passionate and enthusiastic employees in 2022. The growing team consists of Naval Architects, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. To have much better control over the project and more informed design process with greater certainty of final product Damen Engineering Gdansk build a strong team of Project Managers and Supply Chain Specialists. All those combine competencies allow to deliver products of the highest possible quality, on time and in accordance to planned budget.
Damen Engineering Gdansk set up to be involved into the engineering process from the moment when an idea is generated by the client to the vessel delivery. Company is responsible for transforming the initial design into a complete and practicable engineering package. The experienced engineering department is also involved during the production phase of each ship and provides support as necessary. Close collaboration with the client during the whole process allow to quickly respond to any changes and ensure Damen Engineering Gdansk is delivering tailor made solution.
The Damen Shipyards Group, the world’s leading specialist ship builder, operates 35 yards globally with around 12,000 employees. Damen has delivered more than 6,500 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers around 175 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Damen’s focus on standardization, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance.
About NAPA
In its over 30 years of operation, NAPA has become a global leader in developing and scaling software, services and data analysis for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable maritime industry.
NAPA operates globally, with 190 employees in eleven countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas, and has a turnover of €23.8 million. To date, NAPA has 420 user organizations for its design solutions nearly 3,000 installations onboard vessels and a growing number of subscribers for its cloud-based fleet services.
For more information, visit www.napa.fi
About Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has close to 80,000 employees located in nearly 1,600 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its 400,000 clients improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.
Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20 and SBF 120 indices.
Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI.
For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com,
 and global maritime software provider NAPA. The 2500 m3 dredger concept is the first Damen vessel concept to receive Bureau Veritas certification using 3D model-based classification approval (3D MBA) – a process in which class societies review and approve designs using 3D models rather than 2D drawings, the current norm. Following this successful implementation of 3D MBA, Damen has confirmed that the process is already being applied to further designs including a 1000 m3 and a 4000 m3 hopper dredger. A NAPA Steel 3D model created by Damen Engineering for structural design, and used by Bureau Veritas for classification approvals. These 3D model-based designs and approvals are supported by NAPA’s cutting edge technology which enables Damen and Bureau Veritas to work collaboratively on the same 3D model throughout the design and review process. From the very first project, the deployment of 3D MBA has yielded positive results, streamlining communication and saving time. Critically, 3D MBA also eliminates a major potential source of errors, as Damen no longer needs to translate the 3D models it uses to design vessels into 2D drawings for class approvals, and then back again into 3D to implement the changes. This first approval follows a partnership between NAPA and Bureau Veritas to implement 3D model based approvals using a neutral OCX file format generated by NAPA Designer that enables BV to perform its prescriptive rule checks and calculations utilizing its in-house tools MARS and VeriSTAR Hull.){kind=link}