Jotun and DNV GL joined together to launch the inaugural HullPIC conference, held in Castello di Pavone, Italy, recently. The new annual conference aims to put the spotlight on hull and propeller performance solutions, showcasing today’s state-of-the-art systems, and looking ahead to tomorrow’s innovations. More than 80 stakeholders attended the conference, which seeks to help the maritime industry maximize the opportunities offered by new hull and performance solutions.
“The growing adoption of performance monitoring is encouraging but more needs to be done. There is a need to spur further development and increase awareness in this important field,” said Geir Axel Oftedahl, Business Development Director for Jotun Hull Performance Solutions, in his address. “The industry is asking us for reliable and proven methods to measure performance, so that they have the confidence to make the right decisions on underwater hull and propeller maintenance and repair.”
Updates on the forthcoming ISO 19030 standard and the implications of advances in measurements of hull and propeller performance were among the topics discussed at the three-day conference, which included keynote speeches and insights from leading experts and practitioners from across the globe.
Volker Bertram, Senior Project Manager at DNV GL, emphasized performance monitoring is entering a mature phase: “Performance management is an evolving field, especially in light of the ISO 19030. The new standard will help to accelerate industry-wide best practices and transparency,” he said.
Presentations covered a range of technical subjects relating to data acquisition and correcting for varying operational and ambient conditions. For instance, Andreas Krapp, Technical Manager at Jotun, explained aspects of speed-power reference curves, while Sergiu Paraeli, Technical Support Manager at Jotun, focused on the challenges of splitting propeller performance from hull performance.
Daniel Schmode’s (DNV GL) presentation looked at computer hull and propeller performance, ship model alternatives and data acquisition methods. Jörg Lampe (DNV GL) examined the energy efficiency design index from the perspective of performance monitoring, while conference organizer Volker Bertram looked at how artificial neural nets could be used to predict added resistance in wind and waves.
“It’s been a positive, constructive conference. The participants are relevant competent representatives from the maritime industry, who are willing to come together to share operational experiences and discuss common challenges. We also got the opportunity to look ahead at the innovations we can expect in the next few years,” said Geir Axel Oftedahl, reflecting on the new conference’s success.
The next HullPIC will take place at Castle Ulrichshusen in Germany 27-29 March 2017.