NYK has jointly implemented a crew transfer vessel (CTV) newbuilding project that applies 3D technology as a core platform throughout the design and construction process.

This project is being carried out in collaboration with Kosaba Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Smert Design Co., Ltd.

From the initial design stage through to construction, a full 3D model is utilized and consistently applied. By replacing the conventional 2D approach, the project demonstrates the effectiveness of a new design and construction methodology based on 3D technology.

CTVs transporting crews to offshore wind farms must meet high standards of safety, operability, and maintenance and inspection efficiency. Consequently, the design and construction phases now demand a deeper and more comprehensive level of scrutiny.

Conventional design and construction methods based on 2D drawings have posed challenges in sharing design intent and managing design changes, often leading to rework and additional adjustments during construction. To address these challenges, NYK has embraced 3D technology as a key solution.

Design and Construction Utilizing 3D Technology
In designing the CTV, a full 3D model was used to examine the hull structure, equipment arrangement, and ease of operation and maintenance.

This enabled the project team to identify potential interferences between structural components and equipment at an early stage, improving the accuracy of layout planning and enabling design front-loading* that reduced design changes and rework during construction.

During the construction phase, the vessel was built using the design-stage 3D model. In addition, 3D scanning of the actual structure was conducted during construction to visualize deviations from the design data.

This approach enabled the identification of thermal deformation and assembly tolerances specific to aluminum twin-hull vessels (catamarans),** contributing to quality verification and improvement.


Development of 3D Digital Finished Drawings

The project also developed 3D digital finished drawings that centrally manage specifications, drawings, construction comments, and measurement data linked to the 3D model.

By adopting the concept of a 3DA (3D annotated) model, the project transcends conventional 3D geometric representations. In this model, each component is enriched with relevant technical data and records — ranging from specifications and construction-related notes to measurement data — which are systematically annotated and linked to individual parts of the vessel.

By using the 3D model as an entry point, users can intuitively access related equipment and documentation, which is expected to improve efficiency in vessel management operations such as inspections and maintenance after the vessel enters service.

In this project, 3D technology was not utilized merely as a design support tool but rather applied as a foundational technology across the entire process from design to construction.

The knowledge gained through the construction of an actual vessel is expected to be applied to subsequent CTVs, as well as to other vessel types, operational and maintenance phases, and academic research.

Length overall: Approx. 28 meters
Breadth: Approx. 9 meters
Gross tonnage: Approx. 145 tons
Shipyard: Kosaba Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture)

By applying 3D technology to ship design and construction, the NYK Group aims to establish next-generation shipbuilding processes and strengthen its technological competitiveness in offshore wind power and other businesses.

* Design front loading
An approach that allocates more resources to planning and design at an early stage to reduce design changes in later phases and improve quality and productivity.

** Twin-hull vessel (catamaran)
A hull form consisting of two parallel hulls connected together, providing high stability and superior performance for offshore operations. .