Classification agency ClassNK has introduced a new software called PrimeShip-GREEN/ProSTA to analyse and calculate a ship’s speed trial, which is freely available.
Results can be used to calculate the energy efficiency design index (EEDI) in compliance with the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines. In its guidelines on survey and certification of the EEDI, the IMO has provided two methods to avoid the effects of external factors during sea trials and deliver a way to analyse and calculate a ship’s speed in calm sea conditions.
IMO’s assigned approaches include ISO 15016: 2002 and the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) Recommended Procedures. ISO and ITTC collaborated to create the new harmonised international standard after the IMO requested to eliminate this dual standard.
The new, harmonised international standard, ISO 15016: 2015, will be adopted at this month’s MEPC68 and is expected to apply to all sea trials from June.
As part of this effort, ClassNK has developed the support tools such as PrimeShip-GREEN/ProSTA for shipyards, ship owners and the maritime industry to facilitate smooth adoption of the amended standard.
It helps ship designers calculate the vessel’s speed to meet the ISO 15016: 2015 standard and minimises the workload needed for EEDI calculation. In February, ClassNK announced a joint research project to enhance safety standards for ultra-large container ships. This project will be part of the ClassNK joint research and development (R&D) for industry programme, in collaboration with Japanese Welding Engineering Society (JWES), steel manufacturers, shipbuilders and neutral research institutes.
The joint programme is aimed at developing technical standards in order to clarify crack-arrest parameters for steel plates beyond the existing limit, for the safety of ultra-large container ships.
As a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting the advancement of the maritime industry, ClassNK will offer this software completely free of charge to all applicants. Click here to apply. Applying is easy. Simply go to