ABS, Robert Allan, Signet and USCG use 3D process

The first commercial U.S. vessel designed, built and verified using an end-to-end 3D design process is now under construction in a pioneering project by ABS, Robert Allan Ltd. (RAL), Signet Maritime Corporation and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Designed by RAL, the Advanced Rotortug® (ART), which is designed to escort vessels and offshore assets at the Port of Corpus Christi, will receive its Certificate of Inspection from the USCG and will now be built and operated by Signet to ABS Class. A purely 3D process reduces costs and time investment, while streamlining interaction between all stakeholders throughout the design, verification and construction phases, without compromising safety, states ABS.

Mike Fitzpatrick, CEO of Robert Allan Ltd, says: “We are very pleased that ABS has taken the initiative to work with us on a process to review and approve 3D structural models on our project with Signet Maritime Corp. Not only has it become easier to exchange complex structural design information this way, but the time from the basic design stage to the production design stage is shortened, allowing the shipyard to start cutting steel earlier.”