Page 43: of Marine News Magazine (February 2016)

42 44

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE

Tustumena – Pilot house cally accurate to within a fraction of an inch.” 3D in Action 3D computer modeling has been employed during pro- When the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) duction design, allowing shipyards to loft structure, gener- needed to repower its M/V Matanuska and begin de- ate pipe spools and perform other pre-out? tting tasks for sign of another addition to their ? eet, a total of four many years. However, 3D production design is a huge ef- naval architecture ? rms submitted proposals. AMHS fort that does not readily lend itself to iterative processes Vessel Construction Manager Tom Atwood simply told such as concept design. Now, however, computer tools MarineNews in January, “Glosten was selected due to have advanced to the point where it is now economically submitting the best proposal.” But, another reason, said feasible to utilize 3D computer modeling at the concept Atwood, was that 3D modeling is valuable for both new- design and preliminary design phases. build and repowers projects alike. “It allows the designer

As it turns out, the practice produces some powerful econo- and owner to visually see any interference and correct the mies in the design-and-build process. Larsen explains further, design before construction starts,” he explained, adding, “We have developed some proprietary ways of incorporating “Excellent communications between the Naval Architect the scanned images directly into our 3D modeling software and Customer are the key to an ideal relationship.” The packages. This is effective for re? t projects such as repower- use of 3D modeling, according to Glosten, facilitates that ings, installing ballast water treatment systems, installing ex- communication.

haust gas scrubber systems, and similar major modi? cations In terms of the AMHS M/V Tustumena Replacement in congested compartments. We have also used 3D laser Vessel project, Glosten was tasked with designing a new- scanning to develop Lines Plans of existing ships.” In prac- build ferry to meet Alaska Marine Highway System’s oper- tice, the more congested and complicated the compartment, ational and performance requirements. Eventually, the ves- the more valuable the 3D laser scanning becomes. sel will service Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Ports.

Beyond all of that, Larsen also says that coupling the scan- For the repower project on the M/V Matanuska, AMHS ning technology with Glosten’s modeling process has signi? - plans to upgrade electrical generation, replace the main cantly reduced the dependency on accurate as-built draw- engines and engine and reduction foundation, as well as ing information. It has also changed the way they approach the reduction gears, main engine propulsion control and ‘shipchecking’ vessels for modi? cations. He adds, “We do monitoring system. Other changes include shaft bearings, not need to take every detailed measurement or capture every shafting and propeller upgrades; steering system modi? - digital image. Once we have scanned an area of a vessel, we cations; bow thruster improvement; and other auxiliary have everything we need to develop modi? cation drawings.” equipment upgrades.

43 www.marinelink.com MN

MN Feb16 Layout 32-49.indd 43 1/21/2016 11:39:24 AM