Machinery Heart – a Modular Method for Shipbuilding

Abstract

Modularization has emerged as a promising approach to improving efficiency, repeatability and quality in many industries. Modular methods, in a way, have been used at shipyards across the world as they build ships out of large blocks that are assembled in the drydock. However, this doesn’t fulfill all aspects of the definition of modularity. This thesis investigates whether a modular “machinery heart” concept can be developed to support modularization in ship machinery areas of large passenger ships. The study combines a literature review with qualitative information from expert interviews and a multi-round Delphi survey involving shipyard specialists. Using insights from Modular Function Deployment, Axiomatic Design, Brownfield Process, packing theory and interface management, combined with the data collected, a concept for a configurable machinery arrangement is developed. The results show that the machinery area can be partitioned into configurable positioning spaces, with predefined interfaces that can be managed by standardizing the location within the positioning space and giving unique ID:s for each. An architectural example and interface map was created in an expert workshop, validating the conceptual feasibility of the method. Key challenges are the complexity of the systems, hull geometry variation and late design changes. The benefits include reduced engineering effort, design reusability and increased productivity from moving production from ship to shop. Although the concept was validated at a conceptual level, full validation will have to be done by implementing the method in a future project. This thesis contributes a structured approach to achieving a modular, configurable machinery heart in cruise ships, the potential savings will have to be evaluated through a leading- indicator based approach.