Biplab Das 
Imagine constructing a massive ship with millions of intricate parts. Traditionally, this task would be a formidable, time-consuming endeavour. However, the future of shipbuilding is arriving, and it’s virtual. As technology evolves, the metaverse is emerging as a transformative tool in ship design and construction, offering unprecedented efficiencies and precision.
Technology has continually reshaped industries, making processes more efficient and products more refined. From the industrial revolution’s mechanisation to the digital revolution’s automation, each leap has brought significant advancements. Today, the metaverse represents the next frontier, particularly in complex fields like ship design. The concept of creating digital twins—a photorealistic, virtual replica of a ship—illustrates how far technology has come and where it’s heading.
Digital twins for flawless design
The metaverse’s groundbreaking solution for shipbuilding lies in digital twins. Using artificial intelligence (AI), designers can craft an exact virtual replica of an entire ship. This technology allows for the identification and rectification of potential issues during the design phase, well before construction commences. The collaboration between Siemens and NVIDIA has been pivotal in developing these digital twins, providing immense potential for companies like HD Hyundai, a pioneer in sustainable shipping with low-emission hydrogen and ammonia-powered vessels.
Digital twins enable engineers to visualise the ship in its entirety, ensuring that all components fit together seamlessly. This virtual prototyping can prevent costly errors that would otherwise be discovered only during physical construction. By resolving design flaws early, companies can save significant amounts of time and resources.
Virtual testing of ships
The capabilities of the metaverse extend beyond design. Engineers can introduce virtual weather conditions such as waves and storms to understand a ship’s behaviour in real-life scenarios. This “physics-based” testing method allows for a comprehensive analysis of how the vessel will perform once built.
Testing ships in a virtual environment significantly reduces errors and material waste, leading to substantial cost and time savings. Engineers can simulate various environmental conditions and operational scenarios, ensuring that the ship is robust and reliable before any physical construction begins.
The industrial metaverse: a booming frontier
The future of shipbuilding offers just a glimpse into the broader potential of the industrial metaverse. According to a World Economic Forum report, 92% of US manufacturing executives are exploring the capabilities of the metaverse. This new digital realm is poised to become a massive global market, projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.
The market for digital twins is expected to grow even larger, with an estimated value of $183 billion by 2031. The demand for precise, efficient, and error-free manufacturing processes is driving this growth. Digital twins are not only applicable to shipbuilding but are also transforming other sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.
Reducing errors and costs
One of the primary advantages of using digital twins in ship design is the reduction of errors. Traditional shipbuilding often encounters issues that arise only during the physical construction phase. These errors can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. By using digital twins, engineers can identify and address potential problems early in the design process, significantly reducing the risk of costly mistakes.
Moreover, digital twins help in reducing material waste. Traditional shipbuilding processes often involve a trial-and-error approach, leading to the wastage of materials. With virtual prototyping, only the necessary materials are used, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective production.
Enhancing collaboration and innovation
The metaverse also fosters enhanced collaboration among engineers, designers, and other stakeholders. In a virtual environment, teams from different locations can work together in real-time, sharing ideas and making decisions more efficiently.
This collaborative approach not only speeds up the design process but also encourages innovation. Engineers and designers can experiment with new ideas and concepts in a virtual setting, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in ship design.
Future prospects
The integration of the metaverse in ship design is just the beginning. As the technology evolves, its applications will likely expand, offering even more sophisticated tools and capabilities. The shipbuilding industry is on the cusp of a digital revolution, with the metaverse leading the charge.
Challenges and considerations
While the potential benefits of the metaverse in ship design are significant, there are also challenges to consider. The initial investment in technology and training can be substantial. Companies need to ensure that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to operate in a virtual environment.
Furthermore, data security and privacy are critical concerns. With vast amounts of data being generated and shared in the metaverse, protecting this information from cyber threats is paramount.
The metaverse is revolutionising ship design, offering a more efficient, accurate, and collaborative approach. By leveraging digital twins and virtual testing, companies can reduce errors, cut costs, and enhance sustainability. The industrial metaverse is set to become a major market, with significant growth expected in the coming years.
As technology continues to evolve, the shipbuilding industry must adapt to stay competitive. The metaverse represents a transformative tool that can help achieve this goal, driving innovation and efficiency in ship design and beyond.
The evolution of technology, from traditional methods to the cutting-edge capabilities of the metaverse, underscores the dynamic nature of the shipbuilding industry. Embracing these advancements will be key to navigating the future of ship design.
