ABS folds Asian yard experience into CSR tanker software

Houston: ABS says the latest version of its SafeShip for Tankers software benefits from its experience of working with leading shipyards, especially in Asia, for 'an extended period' prior to the introduction of IACS' new Common Structural Rules this April. Net result is simplified classification conformance for new tanker designs.

'This co-operation has been invaluable for both the yards and for the ABS engineering staff,' says Dr Kirsi Tikka, vp for special projects, who has spearheaded the class society's Common Rules programme. 'It meant that some shipyards had new CSR compliant designs available to offer shipowners as soon as the new Rules took effect.
The first order for a CSR-compliant tanker to ABS class was placed in April and others have followed. These designs have been developed using the new ABS CSR SafeShip software.'

An upgraded 6.8 version of the software has just been released, which ABS says contains the latest CSR requirements including Corrigenda 1 of the Rules, and incorporates 'considerable feedback' gained from industry over the last several months.

One unique feature of CSR SafeShip is that from the outset it incorporates a NAPA Model, which provides the steel weight for the structure. A total Strength Assessment Module also brings the benefits of final rule verification to the earliest stages of the design process.

'The more information that can be generated initially ... by introducing elements such as the NAPA modeling during the Initial Scantling Evaluation,' says Tikka, 'the faster and easier it is to complete the latter stages of the design that involve more complex analysis.'

ABS adds that it is now working on comparably advanced software for bulk carrier designs. [18/07/06]

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