The Japanese classification society ClassNK announced the launch of the “ClassNK Design Data Marketplace,” a digital platform designed to facilitate the exchange of naval design data and promote new collaboration opportunities among various stakeholders in the maritime industry.
The initiative seeks to connect shipyards, design firms, shipowners, software providers, and other sector participants through an environment that allows for the secure and structured sharing of 3D models, design data, and specialized services.
The platform seeks to leverage underutilized data
According to ClassNK, shipyards generate large volumes of three-dimensional models and design data during ship construction. However, much of this information often remains underutilized once its initial function within the design and construction process is completed.
The new platform aims to transform these digital assets into valuable resources for the entire lifecycle of vessels, allowing their use in areas such as operational efficiency, maintenance optimization, safety, and the development of new technologies.
The digital marketplace will allow users to locate, compare, and evaluate design data and services according to specific needs, facilitating new forms of cooperation between companies in the sector.
The project is supported by the Digital Twin initiative
The development of the platform is part of the so-called Digital Twin Project, an initiative involving shipyards, shipowners, technology providers, and classification societies.
The objective of the project is to create a secure framework for sharing ship design and operational data, leveraging information generated during all stages of its lifecycle.
ClassNK explained that feasibility studies conducted by project members identified the need for a neutral entity capable of managing the exchange of information in a transparent and equitable manner.
A closed environment for secure information sharing
Design Data Marketplace operates as a closed, membership-based system under a marketplace model regulated by specific terms of use. Participants can register information about their services, digital models, and datasets within a common library.
The platform establishes clear rules on the management, access, and use of shared data, with the aim of protecting intellectual property and ensuring information security.
ClassNK believes that this approach will contribute to fostering knowledge exchange, accelerating the development of new digital solutions, and generating a collaborative ecosystem capable of driving the technological transformation of the maritime industry in the coming years.
Source: https://www.classnk.or.jp/
