ClassNK releases new version of PrimeShip-HULL

JULY 13, 2015 — In response to the new IACS Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (CSR BC & OT), classification society ClassNK has released PrimeShip-HULL (HCSR) Ver. 2.5.0 software.

As a non-profit society, ClassNK offers PrimeShip-HULL (HCSR) to all of its clients completely free of charge.

CSR BC & OT, which harmonizes requirements found in both existing Common Structural Rules for bulk carriers and double hull oil tankers, was agreed in December 2013, partially amended in 2014, and applies to bulk carriers over 90 m in length and double hull oil tankers over 150 m in length contracted for construction on or after 1 July 2015.

Based on requests from ship designers, ClassNK developed PrimeShip-HULL (HCSR) with a built-in strong design support function that is completely different to any other software to date and released a version in response to the new rules including the latest amendment, back in February. However, the new PrimeShip-HULL (HCSR) Ver. 2.5.0 has even stronger functionality. The main features of PrimeShip-HULL (HCSR) Ver. 2.5.0 are:

• Strengthened data linkage with commercial CAD software for the prescriptive rule calculation software. In particular, the linkage to all members’ data within the cargo areas of bulk carriers and product tankers with the widely used 3D ship design system “NAPA Steel,” produced by NAPA, has been achieved, making it possible to dramatically reduce the design work time required for each model.
• To create better quality FE models, automatic idealization functions have been added to the direct strength assessment software. In addition, the automatic hot spot registration function for fatigue assessment has been added and the design support function has also been enhanced, improving the analysis process and shortening the required design work time.