In the constantly evolving shipbuilding industry, technological innovation plays a key role in the design and construction of ships. Digital twin technology, with solutions like SmartShape, opens new perspectives by enabling more efficient data management and collaboration.
The Jacques Chevallier, the latest military ship delivered by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, perfectly embodies this digital transformation. This Force Replenishment Ship (BRF) has a crew of 130 members and features impressive technical characteristics, such as a length of 194 m, a displacement of 31,000 tons at full load, and a maximum speed of 20 knots (37 km/h). Its range reaches 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km) at 18 knots (33 km/h), which demonstrates its remarkable performance.
Built with The SmartShape technology, the Jacques Chevallier benefits from a design that incorporates advanced collaboration and data management features. This military ship demonstrates Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s ability to harness the power of digital twins to improve construction efficiency while maintaining high standards of quality and precision.
1. Challenges encountered during construction
Building a ship as sophisticated as the Jacques Chevallier does not happen without significant challenges. The Chantiers de l’Atlantique had to overcome substantial obstacles:
- Project Complexity: Constructing a military ship involves managing a significant amount of data from different sources: design, manufacturing, procurement, and more. The volume of this information makes it difficult to track project progress in real-time, which can lead to delays and additional costs.
- Team Collaboration: Several specialized teams were involved in the construction, ranging from engineering to production. Coordinating all these stakeholders, both internal and external, is a significant challenge. The lack of smooth communication and a single source of truth can lead to misunderstandings and delays.
- Construction Optimization: The need to meet strict quality and safety standards is paramount for a military ship. Each component must be precisely designed and installed, while maintaining deadlines and budgets. This requires rigorous tracking of the construction process and meticulous planning.
Thanks to The SmartShape technology, the Chantiers de l’Atlantique were able to meet these challenges by using digital twins to improve the efficiency of the construction process, centralize information, and strengthen team collaboration.
2. Solutions provided by SmartShape
To tackle the complex challenges faced during the construction of the Jacques Chevallier, Chantiers de l’Atlantique utilized the many features of SmartShape:
- Data Centralization: SmartShape created a single source of truth by centralizing all project data, from 3D models to technical drawings and specifications. This made information more accessible and reduced the risks of errors from duplication or outdated versions.
- Visualization and Simulation: With SmartShape’s digital twins, it was possible to create a 3D digital model of the ship. This visualization allowed engineers to simulate the construction process, identify potential conflicts, and make changes even before physical construction began. This helped avoid costly errors and saved valuable time.
- Real-Time Collaboration: SmartShape’s collaborative features enabled teams to work together, online or offline, while having access to the same up-to-date information. Team members could share feedback and track changes in real-time, promoting quick and effective decision-making.
By integrating these solutions, SmartShape transformed the Jacques Chevallier’s construction process by facilitating seamless collaboration, improving data accuracy, and enabling real-time adjustments.
3. Results obtained
To tackle the complex challenges encountered during the construction of the Jacques Chevallier, Chantiers de l’Atlantique leveraged the many features of SmartShape:
- Centralized Data: SmartShape created a single source of truth by centralizing all project data, from 3D models to technical drawings and specifications. This made information more easily accessible and reduced the risk of errors due to duplicates or outdated versions.
- Visualization and Simulation: Thanks to SmartShape’s digital twins, a 3D digital model of the ship was created. This visualization allowed engineers to simulate the construction process, identify potential conflicts, and make changes before physical construction even began. This helped avoid costly mistakes and saved valuable time.
- Real-Time Collaboration: SmartShape’s collaborative features allowed teams to work together, both online and offline, while accessing the same up-to-date information. Team members could share comments and track changes in real-time, fostering quick and effective decision-making.
By integrating these solutions, SmartShape transformed the Jacques Chevallier’s construction process by enabling seamless collaboration, improving data accuracy, and allowing for real-time adjustments.
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