StabPRS focuses on allowable parameters of safe ship
operation
A software package to enable quick and accurate
assessments of a ship's loading condition and consequent stability and strength
was launched by Polski Rejestr Statkow (the Polish Shipping Register) at
Posidonia on June 6th.
StabPRS represents a major advance in processing data
to provide day to day onboard assistance in operating vessels safely. The
program calculates the effects of changes in the ship's loading condition,
updates the stability parameters, presents risk levels and predicts likely
outcomes. This enables master and crew to take the necessary remedial action.
StabPRS calculates traditional stability, shear forces
and bending moments, and verifies cargo weight, using draft marks data. The
package's options include verifying wave generated forces affecting heavy cargo
lashings; simulating cargo handling by deck cranes and predicting the heel
angle of every cargo handling process; planning optimal routes in given wave
conditions; and warning crew about exceeding allowable strength and stability
parameters.
The program operates whether the ship is intact or
damaged. For example, it calculates damage stability and hull strength when up
to several compartments are flooded.
Data can be entered quickly and assessment time can be
only a few minutes. The results, displayed in 2D and 3D form, can be
complemented by print-outs for the log book.
StabPRS comes in several versions for general cargo
ships, bulk and container carriers, passenger ferries and other vessels. The
program is tailored for individual vessel parameters. For passenger ferries,
the option for damage stability control in accordance with the Stockholm
Agreement is available.
The rationale behind StabPRS stems from the random
character of the sea and ship operations in generating a multitude of
exceptional or extraordinary cases. By contrast, today's ships are designed and
operated with loads which follow rules and guidelines based on a limited number
of cases. The Society contends that the selected wave loads assumed in the
rules are, in some cases, too optimistic. This in turn can produce decisions
whereby the ship risks exceeding safety limits.
PRS believes the focus should be on allowable
parameters of safe ship operation in both intact and damage conditions. Ship
operators and masters can then rely on onboard computer systems to analyse and
confirm or reject any loading condition against these allowable parameters.
StabPRS was introduced at Nor-Shipping last year.
Since then, it has been trialled by a group of Polish shipowners whose feedback
has helped to improve the scope and effectiveness of the software.
Given crews' present workloads, especially in port,
there has been considerable interest in this time saving tool. PRS has already
received many orders for developing and implementing the program on its own
classified vessels and is offering it to ships classed with other
Societies.
Dr. Jan Jankowski, President of the PRS board,
explained: "Computer software is becoming complementary to class requirements.
It helps designers to transpose these requirements to individual ships and
assists crew in controlling ships during cargo handling and in operating at
sea. However, the amount of ship-related data can be overwhelming. Relevant
onboard computer systems can and should process the information promptly,
facilitating decision making. It is essential to support the master's
decisions, especially in distress conditions. StabPRS is an excellent means of
doing so."
A downloadable photograph to accompany the press
release is available at http://www.dunelmpr.co.uk/PRS-Photogallery.htm. The
caption for the photograph reads:
"Dr. Jan Jankowski, President of the
Board, Polish Register of Shipping."
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