LEE Kyeongho/Surveyor, LEE Eunjoo/Surveyor, Park Jinyoung/Principal Surveyor 

ICT Solution Team

1. Abstract

Safety calculation of cargo loaded onto container ships must be conducted under the rules defined and outlined by classification societies. The software, SeaTrust-LS, which helps to review the adequacy of anchoring devices in accordance with annex 7-2, in Pt7 of Rules and Guidance for the Classification of Steel Ships, has been developed and is being used by customers. However, as the route of a container ship diversifies, it becomes more difficult to calculate the stability of lashing. This is due to the parameters necessary for calculating the load of the cargo, such as heave, roll and pitch reduction factors that are differently defined depending on the marine environment and route of a container ship. Since the KR guideline provides the values of the reduction factors for 13 predefined routes, it is necessary to have discussions surrounding the reduction factor in consultation with KR. This means it takes significant time and effort to calculate the load for various sailing patterns in the case of an unusual course taken by a vessel. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a service of reduction factor for arbitrary routes that customers can efficiently utilize.

Figure 1. Reduction factor by route (left), Typical route example (Right) 

2. Introduction of web based Route Specific Reduction Factor Calculation Service

In order to relieve the difficulties in deriving reduction factors for specific routes, KR developed (and plans to distribute) a web-based ‘Route Specific Reduction Factor Calculation Service’ as soon as possible. This is an SPA (Single Page Application) that provides a function to easily perform reduction factor calculation that require complex data and algorithms, such as wave statistical data of an ocean area. By developing the SPA, it is possible to provide a natural user experience and induces overall traffic reduction. If the environment is connected to the internet, one can simply connect and perform calculations immediately on various platforms, such as desktops, tablets, and mobile phones, without installation. The execution screen and features of this service are as outlined below:

Figure 2. Connection screen

Figure 2 is the first screen, which is the screen for inputting data required for calculation. Users can easily input the parameters like route name, breadth in the input field on the left side. Latitude and longitude data can be created by clicking the map located on the right side of the screen. Clicking the calculate button once after inputting the type breadth, route name, and latitude/longitude data, leads to the calculation proceedings being shown, and the result window appears. 

Figure 3. Result

The web-based Route Specific Reduction Factor Calculation Service offers a  ‘Save and Load’ option, so the saved route and reduction factors can be reviewed at any time. In the near future, we plan to add advanced functions, such as port coordinate input and report auto-generation. 

3. Introduction of SeaTrust-Platform

SeaTrust-Platform (https://www.seatrust.kr) is an engineering software website operated by KR. It requires a separate sign-up process, but customers can use the service immediately following a simple authentication process. In addition, this website provides the latest SeaTrust news, software downloads and customer service. The reduction coefficient calculation service developed will be serviced through the website. The SeaTrust-Platform will serve as  a technology software platform by linking more web-based engineering services and various functions in the future.

Figure 4. SeaTrust-Platform

SeaTrust-Platform (https://www.seatrust.kr) is an engineering software website operated by KR. It requires a separate sign-up process, but customers can use the service immediately following a simple authentication process. In addition, this website provides the latest SeaTrust news, software downloads and customer service. The reduction coefficient calculation service developed will be serviced through the website. The SeaTrust-Platform will serve as  a technology software platform by linking more web-based engineering services and various functions in the future.

4. Conclusion

The web-based Route Specific Reduction Factor Calculation Service will be serviced through the SeaTrust-platform, a technical software website, and is expected to provide easy and efficient service so shipowners can deal with various routes. As KR directly develops and manages this service, it is possible to respond quickly to user inquiries and rule revisions. In addition to this, the web-based engineering service will be expanded and provided through the SeaTrust-Platform to customers with ease and convenience.