The case for a digital systems model for the lifetime of a vessel

Alasdair Douglas, at Brookes Bell, discusses the opportunities that new technology offers not just for ship design but for the lifetime of the vessel

With the introduction of safe return to port (SRTP) in July 2010, ship systems are now designed and assessed to ensure they meet the minimum level of availability outlined in SOLAS. This assessment is extensive, requiring consideration of many interdependent systems subject to a range of casualty scenarios. By creating and maintaining a digital system’s model to effectively manage compliance during the build and for the lifetime of the vessel, this process can be streamlined and the safety of vessels improved.