New gas containment tank gets ‘Digital Twin Ready’ AiP

The AiP follows a joint development project between the two parties launched in November 2019.

Assessed using LR’s ShipRight Procedure for Digital Compliance, Hyundai Prismatic Independent IMO Type B Tank eXcellence (HiPIX), has received Digital Twin Ready AiP.

As a result of the AiP, HHI can evolve into a DHM provider to the maritime industry, offering customers the possibility to operate and maintain their ships’ Type B gas containment tanks in an optimal cost-effective way while complying with classification and statutory requirements.

HHI is aiming to develop a complete structural DHM system for its LNG fuel Type B tank fitted on board the world first dual-fuelled ultra-large container ships for Eastern Pacific Shipping that are currently under construction at Hyundai Samho Yard. This will assure structural integrity in operation and safety and enhance the ship’s operational and compliance performance.

HHI’s HiPIX is a suite of software and service solutions designed to assure the structural safety of Type B tanks and enhance the performance of assets by obtaining survey credit through accurate insights on the condition of tank components, using digital twin technology and data as an alternative to a physical survey. This will provide shipowners with an advantage when securing charterer contracts by lowering the through-life costs of the containment tank while maintaining a high level of safety and reliability. The digital twin’s ability to process real-time data and generate insights on the health condition of the gas containment tank improves maintenance effectiveness through the ability to make just-in-time, specific maintenance advisories. Furthermore, its ability to estimate and localise incipient fault conditions allows accurate tracking and progression of faults, prior to becoming costly failures.

HHI initial design division executive vice president Seung-Ho Jeon said “Now ship operators can feel confident about operating HHI’s dual-fuelled ultra-large container ships by using HHI’s HiPIX solution to meet the rigorous requirements of classification as well as flag administration. We plan to further develop HiPIX to include the machinery digital twin for a gas supply system by working together with LR’s Marine & Offshore Innovation team.”

LR marine & offshore innovation and co-creation director Luis Benito said ”A new paradigm in shipping has started, towards remote operations, when digital health management technology starts enabling remote servicing, maintenance and testing of critical equipment for the safety of ships, with digital technology that can be trusted by ship managers and ship operators’ end users.”