ClassNK unveils new software to evaluate ship speed

Japan-based classification society ClassNK has unveiled a new software to calculate and analyse a ship’s speed for Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) calculation.

The new PrimeShip-GREEN / ProSTA ver.ITTC software complies with the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) 2017 Guidelines for EEDI verification.

According to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI, EEDI should be calculated in calm sea conditions based on the outcomes of the speed trial.

IMO has provided two ways to remove the external factors such as wind, waves, current, water depth, and sea temperature during a sea trial. This is part of the ISO 15016:2015 and International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) 2014 Guidelines.

Last month, IMO updated the 2014 Guidelines on survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) to mandate the concerned parties to abide by either ISO 15016:2015 or ITTC 2017 Guidelines.

In 2015, ClassNK developed the PrimeShip-GREEN / ProSTA software for the shipyards and other stakeholders of the maritime industry as a support tool for calculating a ship’s speed in accordance with ISO 15016:2015 rules.

The newly developed software is expected to further support and provide technical aid on the ITTC 2017 Guidelines. It uses the same interface as the PrimeShip-GREEN / ProSTA.

ClassNK has also released PrimeShip-GREEN / ProSTA ver.ISO, which is a revised version of PrimeShip-GREEN / ProSTA, and will continue to provide technical support regarding ISO 15016:2015.

ClassNK amended its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships last month.

The amendments are based on related research and development projects, feedback from damage investigations, as well as changes made to relevant international conventions, and other factors.