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Lloyd’s Register develops guidance for 3D model approval
A northern European classification society has published what it believes is the maritime industry’s first dedicated guidance for using digital 3D models in support of classification approval
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has unveiled guidelines for using intelligent 3D models in support of classification approval of vessels as the maritime industry moves towards digital-first ship design and review.
Its LR-GN-066 Guidance Notes for Digital 3D Models provide shipyards, designers and owners with a practical and structured framework for using intelligent 3D models instead of traditional 2D plans during the early stages of structural plan approval.
The London UK-headquartered classification society said its publication “reflects the growing use of digital design environments in modern shipbuilding.”
3D models are becoming the primary source of engineering information across design, construction and manufacturing workflows, but current class approval of designs uses 2D shipbuilding plans.
LR expects its clients will make greater use of digital assets they already create and maintain throughout a vessel’s lifecycle for class approval using its guidance.
Its guidelines explain how 3D models can be used to support the structural plan approval process and define the characteristics such models should possess.
It covers file formats, model organisation, metadata requirements, levels of structural detail, revision control and submission requirements, providing a consistent framework for both designers and class reviewers.
“For many projects, the most complete representation of a vessel now exists in a digital model,” said Lloyd’s Register senior specialist João Estevens.
“By defining what information should be included, how it should be structured and how it can be reviewed, we are giving clients greater clarity on how to use those digital assets to support class approval and maximise the value of the work they are already doing.”
For shipyards and design offices already working in 3D environments, LR’s guidance notes provide a clearer route for integrating those models into the approval process, said the class society.
“Rather than creating additional digital assets solely for class review, the framework encourages the use of models that are already embedded within established design and manufacturing workflows,” LR said, “helping to reduce duplication and improve consistency between design, production and approval activities.”
Its guidance is voluntary and non-prescriptive and is applicable across various software ecosystems that shipyards, designers and software providers have developed, or may, develop, with alternative methods, workflows and technologies.
LR said it would continue to collaborate with shipyards, designers and software providers to test and adopt new digital approaches within the guidelines to improve the approval process.
LR-GN-066 Guidance Notes for Digital 3D Models applies primarily to hull structures and is intended to support the use of 3D digital models during the structural plan approval process. LR said the framework may also be extended to other disciplines that use similar digital assets.
Final approved 2D construction plans remain a requirement for formal completion of the classification plan approval process.
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