Software Gives News

Victaulic’s collaboration with SSI’s Autodesk ShipConstructor promises a streamlined design process, easier access to Victaulic piping specifications and proof positive that marrying hardware data and existing design technology can save time, money, weight and headaches for boat designers and shipyards alike.Is Victaulic’s time-tested turnkey approach to pipe joining right for you? That depends on a lot of things, but if better design options and a measurable benchmark of Total Installed Cost Savings would benefit your bottom line, then you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying. And now, Victaulic’s catalog content inclusion in SSI’s ShipConstructor software gives naval architects and shipyards the convenient ability to ask…

ABS Nautical Systems signed three new contracts for use of its NS5 Enterprise software with Central Mare Inc., Consolidated Marine Management Inc. and C. Transport Maritime S.A.M. Athens-based, Central Mare Inc. plans to utilize the Energy & Environmental Manager, Maintenance Manager and Hull Inspection modules on two of its ABS-classed newbuilds. Consolidated Marine Management Inc., based in Piraeus, will implement the Energy & Environmental Manager and Hull Inspection modules on four of its ABS-classed newbuilds, as well as an additional vessel that transferred its class to ABS. C Transport Maritime S.A.M., based in Monte Carlo, Monaco, will implement the Energy & Environmental Manager and Hull Inspection modules on seven of its ABS-classed newbuilds.

For inland operators, Compliance, Safety & Technology make for heavy river traffic as software providers descend on a rapidly approaching, potentially lucrative niche market. Is there a panacea for subchapter M? Pending USCG Subchapter “M” (SubM) regulations will eventually require towing operators to implement safety standards and use safety management systems, or alternatively, allow for an annual Coast Guard inspection regime. The new rules are expected to allow towing vessel organizations to customize their approach to meeting the requirements, while providing oversight using audits, inspections, and reviews of safety data. As many as 5,000 vessels and their operators will eventually feel the impact of the so-called subchapter M rules.

Navy unmanned aircraft will be able to distinguish small pirate boats from other vessels when an Office of Naval Research (ONR)-funded sensor starts airborne tests this summer, officials said. Called the Multi-Mode Sensor Seeker (MMSS), the sensor is a mix of high-definition cameras, mid-wave infrared sensors and laser-radar (LADAR) technology. It will be placed on a robotic helicopter called Fire Scout. Carrying advanced automatic target recognition software, the sensor prototype will allow Fire Scout to autonomously identify small boats on the water…

Intergraph, a leading global provider of engineering and geospatial software that enables customers to visualize complex data has released SmartPlant® FreeView™, a free .VUE viewer that allows users to display and navigate Intergraph 3D models and view associated plant properties. SmartPlant FreeView will open Intergraph SmartPlant 3D and SmartMarine® 3D projects published as a .VUE file. A user then may walk through the plant, ship or offshore model and select any object in the view to see its associated plant properties via the MDB2 package.

A Remotely Piloted Surface Vessel (RPSV) will be unveiled at the Navy League Air Sea and Space Exhibition Washington DC 26-28 March 2002 by Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products Inc, a Brunswick Corporation boatbuilding division. Developed jointly by Boston Whaler, Global Atlantic Inc. and Smart boat Inc., the 15 foot fiberglass hull of the RPSV is propelled by a 2.5 litre V6 cylinder 175hp Mercury SportJet water jet giving a speed capability in excess of 40 knots. offered with a gasoline engine, a diesel or multi-fuel variant will be optional in the near future. Selection of Boston Whaler as lead contractor to supply the…

Alan C. McClure Associates (ACMA) has acquired ShipConstructor, a software package designed to run inside AutoCAD that promotes inter-company co-operation and simplifies communication. One of the program’s greatest assets is its ability to update immediately all parties involved in a specific project. It also makes it possible to share data with other departmental databases such as purchasing, finance and planning. “ShipConstructor gives our clients an opportunity to view all aspects of production from inception to completion,” says ACMA Designer, Jonathan Eccles. “The centralized database provides project standards and libraries, enforcing consistent drawings. All drawings and parts are linked to a high performance SQL Server database.