ABS digitises US navy maintenance

Rear Admiral Dee Mewbourne discussed the project’s progress in a presentation to the American Society of Naval Engineers’ annual conference focusing on Navy corrosion issues.

As part of the condition-based class programme, ABS has defined a digital asset framework that encompasses everything from data collection and pre-processing, to a digital twin that maintains and analyses the data, to visualisations and outputs that support risk-based decision making.

“Condition-based classification will enable operational commanders to objectively assess risk and, in partnership with ABS, schedule surveys and repairs to better support operational commitments,” explained Rear Admiral Mewbourne.

The aim of the multi-year joint project is to use digital solutions to move the classification industry from calendar-based surveys to a condition-based classification model. ABS is working with both MSC and vendors to enrich the digital picture of three vessels – the USNS Spearhead, an expeditionary fast transport craft; the USNS Amelia Earhart, a dry cargo/ammunition vessel and the USNS Pomeroy, a large ro-ro vessel.

ABS has conducted a baseline survey assessment for both structures and machinery and built digital twins for each vessel providing up-to-date information for decision-makers.

“This cutting-edge project highlights how ABS is leading class into the future and is a fantastic example of how we are able to harness the power of digital technologies to deliver enhanced services for the industry,” said ABS’s programme manager, Joshua Divin.