GL launches “Ship-shape for life”

The Hull Lifecycle Programme (HLP), a new software service tool designed to ensure long lives and technical safety for vessels, was introduced by Germanischer Lloyd (GL) at the GL Exchange Forum. The participants discussed options and benefits provided by the software for monitoring and evaluating the structural and overall technical conditions of ships.

GL Pegasus is the first module of the Hull Lifecycle Programme. This tool facilitates the work of thickness measurement firms and ship operators, saving them time and money. From the first on-site inspection to production of the survey report, a thickness measurement inspection can take up to four weeks depending on ship size and age. The process is still largely conducted without computerised support. Germanischer Lloyd’s GL Pegasus software was created to reduce the time required for report generation to a mere few hours.

GL Pegasus employs a three-dimensional computer model of the ship, each structural component being recorded both in tabular and in visual form. The tables and graphics correspond at all times, eliminating duplicate data entry. Once the survey team completes on-site ultrasound measurements, GL Pegasus automatically references the data using the computer model. Areas of potential weakness due to corrosion are designated with different colours depicting various degrees of rusting. Photographs, text and voice recordings can also be attached in reference to a given survey section.

“The big advantage of this new software is the rapid and automated generation of the findings report in the format mandated by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)”, said David Jaramillo, Senior Project Engineer and Head of the GL Pegasus project, in his presentation. Ship operators have direct, worldwide access to the written report and the updated 3D model via the GL online platform fleet online, enabling them to identify early on potential repairs necessary and perform such work immediately and on the spot.

The Hull Lifecycle Programme furthermore allows monitoring the technical condition of a ship throughout its entire life cycle. Engineer Volkmar Huxoll of the GL Assessment Surveys Department: “HLP is a monitoring programme that provides surveying tools for identifying necessary repairs and maintenance, such as coating conditions. HLP modeling is additionally useful for vetting company documentation and with prospective buyers.” The biggest advantage, Huxoll pointed out, is the time savings HLP affords by substantially shortening expensive idle dock times.

The Hull Lifecycle Programme facilitates inspection planning, allowing ship operators to prepare and conduct their own inspections. Once the initial model is generated, the HLP can be run until sale or disposal of the vessel, any changes in ship structure such as replaced plates being updated in the model on an ongoing basis. This feature is free and included in the HLP surface package. “Access to a detailed and up-to-date 3D model makes work easier for all parties concerned – ship operator, marine surveyor and classification society”, Huxoll emphasised, adding that once the model has been generated it can be used for additional purposes such as ERS, Germanischer Lloyd’s Emergency Response Service. The Hull Lifecycle Programme is available for all vessel types.