Data sharing brings digital twins closer

The early stages of a cross-industry project bringing together builders and owners with software company NAPA and ClassNK has shown that the barriers around sharing sensitive or operational data can be overcome.

“Collaboration continues to be the underpinning foundation enabling the industry to develop new solutions and optimise existing operations for the energy transition,” said Naoki Mizutani, executive vice president for NAPA Studios.

“Our Digital Twin project captures this enterprising spirit to reach a new milestone – bridging design and operational data for safer, more efficient and greener shipping.”

The first two phases of the project identified more than 30 potential use cases where data and 3D models can be securely shared and used to create a vessel-specific digital twin.

The next phase – led by ClassNK – will develop a new platform to enable these 3D design models to be shared together with business models.

The project aims to start operation in 2025, signalling a potential breakthrough in the sharing of design and operational data to overcome barriers to the adoption of digital twins.

“Digital twins are a key asset for shipping, particularly in the context of the energy transition,” said Yoshimichi Sasaki, general manager, Digital Transformation Center at ClassNK.

“They offer unparalleled insight into a ship’s unique design profile and characteristics and unlock new opportunities to use this data to optimise operations and maintenance, while also expanding possibilities to deploy innovative technologies on board.”