DNV, Damen and NAPA use 3D model-based approval to streamline ship design approval

Damen, DNV and NAPA are taking a major step forward in ship design processes by using the new Open Class 3D Exchange (OCX) standard to streamline classification involvement in the early phase of a project.

With increasing pressure to deliver vessel designs quickly, the early engagement of classification societies can increase designer and owner confidence in the concept design and ensure smooth project execution. Responding to market expectations, Damen Engineering decided to involve DNV classification experts in the first review of its new design of a Commissioning Service Operation “Walk to Work” Vessel (CSOV 9020). The collaboration started during work on the Design Proposal, the very first stage of the project, using new cutting-edge technology based on 3D model exchange and approval through the OCX file format.

The new CSOV design was developed by Damen engineers using NAPA’s 3D design tools, which enable the export of 3D models in the OCX format. This functionality allowed Damen and DNV to work in parallel on the same 3D model, saving the time and effort needed to agree and prepare 2D documentation.

The model of CSOV9020 taken from Napa Designer

Katarzyna Romantowska-Jaskólska, Managing Director at Damen Engineering, said:

“Environmental, safety, regulatory and other external pressures, combined with the competitive need to create ever-better designs, mean doing things the way we always did them is no longer sufficient. The OCX format allows us to take a new approach that is beneficial to everyone involved in the development of a vessel design, and the project execution process. In collaboration with DNV and NAPA, we arrived at a solution that connects disciplines and facilitates quick decision-making while reducing risks in the early stages of a design.”

Mikko Forss, Executive Vice President for Design Solutions at NAPA, added:

“At NAPA, streamlining the hull structure approval process through efficient collaboration and swift feedback loops among stakeholders is one of our top priorities. As a result of several joint industry development projects, NAPA’s 3D design solutions can support efficient information exchange between ship designers and classification societies, enabling quicker and more accurate approvals. Our support for the OCX format is a key part of this effort, as it enables the standardized exchange of 3D model data and reduces the time and effort required for efficient communication.”

Ivar Håberg, Director of Approval at DNV, concluded:

“The earlier the class starts the design approval process, the easier it is to find good rule-compliant design solutions in cooperation with the yards. By using the OCX file format to exchange information on 3D design models, DNV can more efficiently interact and cooperate with the designers and yards already in the early design development phase.”

OCX is a new standard for 3D model-based class approval, aimed at breaking down the barriers between different design and classification software platforms to enable the seamless exchange of idealized geometry and metadata between them. The OCX 3D model can also replace the traditional 2D structure drawings for classification purposes, thereby saving time for the yards, and allowing the class to respond more quickly to designers’ needs.

The OCX standard is the result of the joint industry project ‘Approved (2016-2020)’ headed by DNV. The standard is now jointly owned and managed by the OCX Consortium established in 2021 (https://3docx.org). This consortium has brought together more than 30 industry leaders to jointly promote and maintain the standard. The consortium members consist of all the major classification societies, leading CAD providers and several designers and yards.

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About Damen Engineering Gdańsk

Damen Engineering Gdansk is a competence center for engineering to order, one offs and prototypes vessels with a strong drive for optimizing ship performance.

Damen Engineering Gdansk is subsidiary of Offshore Specialized Vessels B.V. from Netherland DEGd was established in 2013 with 18 employees on board. Since then developed competences, skills and knowledge to almost reach 170 passionate and enthusiastic employees in 2023. 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.

About NAPA

With over 30 years of operation, NAPA is a leading software and data services provider for ship design and operations to enable safe, sustainable, and future-proof maritime industry. Headquartered in Finland, NAPA employs 200 experts, combining expertise in naval architecture, fleet operations and digital services. NAPA operates globally, with a presence in Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, the USA, Germany, Greece, Romania and India.

With over 90% of new vessels built by NAPA customers, NAPA’s ship design software is the global de facto standard in shipbuilding. Furthermore, NAPA is a market leader in ship stability management and safety data services for passenger ships, and its cloud-based solutions for ship performance monitoring and voyage optimization support shipping’s decarbonization journey. For more information, visit www.napa.fi.

Press Contact:  
Boyoung Son
Product Marketing Manager, Design Solutions
E: boyoung.son@napa.fi

About DNV

We are the independent expert in risk management and quality assurance. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence. As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.

DNV in the maritime industry

DNV is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges. For more information visit: www.dnv.com/maritime

Media contact DNV:
Margrethe Andersen, Head of External Communications
Maritime Communications, DNV
T: +47 47 68 22 89
E: margrethe.andersen@dnv.com