Japan-based ClassNK Releases New Version of Guideline for Containers

ClassNK announced yesterday the release of a new revised version, version 2.5.0, of its leading direct strength assessment program for container carriers, PrimeShip-HULL (DSA)/Guideline for Containers. The software, to be made available free of charge, contains new functions to improve usability as well as the strengthening of existing features.

The release of this new version comes as designers and shipyards are looking for greater efficiency gains in the ship design process. “The workload of ship designers has increased as a result of the ever growing number of regulations and conventions. ClassNK sees the easing of such burdens and the improving of efficiency through IT products and services as a key goal of our Society,” says ClassNK and President Noboru Ueda.

“This software is the product of the Society’s many years of experience in both drawing approval and software development. ClassNK will continue to use this experience to further boost usability, upgrade overall performance, and develop powerful new functions.”

PrimeShip-HULL (DSA)/Guideline for Containers (Ver.2.5.0) is software, first released in 2003, designed to perform the direct calculations defined in this guideline. Using an FE model, users can easily execute complicated FEM analyses through the use of special features such as the automatic identification of structural members and compartments. This revised version of the software not only incorporates all of the changes made in the latest revisions to the guideline, it also includes handy user assistance functions to guide users through the entire operation process.

ClassNK Issues World’s First Approval for Alternative Coating System for Ballast Tanks under PSPC

ClassNK announced today that it had awarded type approval for the world’s first alternative coating system under PSPC (Performance Standard for Protective Coatings) for ballast tanks to a single coating system manufactured by Nippon Paint Marine Coatings Co., Ltd. This approval is the first to be issued by any classification society anywhere in the world.

Under PSPC, conventional epoxy coating systems are required to comprise two coatings. The standard does however include a provision which allows for alternative systems, such as the one approved by ClassNK, with only a single coating. A key function of the system developed by Nippon Paint Marine Coatings is the “SI (Self-Indicating)” feature whereby the color of the coating changes depending on its thickness. The application of this coating system to ships will begin upon confirmation from relevant administrations by ClassNK.

The PSPC standard provides technical requirements for protective coatings in dedicated seawater ballast tanks of all type of ships of not less than 500 gross tonnage and double-side skin spaces arranged in bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards for which the building contract is placed, the keels of which are laid or which are delivered on or after the dates referred to in SOLAS regulation Ⅱ-1/3-2 as adopted by resolution MSC216(82).

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World Maritime News Staff, January 6, 2012; Image: ClassNK