Shipbuilding Ergonomics: Reduced Delays and Money Saved

• “New report warns of growing crisis in US shipbuilding” (WorkBoat Magazine, 1) 
• “The United States faces challenges in building ships on relevant timelines and at cost.” (Center for Strategic and International & International Studies, 2)
• “European [ship] yards have struggled under high labor, energy, and compliance costs in a market that rewards low prices and rapid delivery.” (SSI Shipping Blog, 3)

Many naval shipbuilding programs are struggling with delays. The results are leaders being grilled by government oversight committees, sudden project cancellations, and skilled workers losing their jobs mid-project. 

The American shipbuilding industry is greatly reduced. Large US oceangoing vessel production is down from 20 large vessels produced per year in the 1908’s to less than 5 per year in recent years. Many European countries face similar challenges with higher labor costs and aging industrial workforces. 

These challenges have shifted where most ship construction takes place. Most global tonnage of commercial vessels is now built in China, Korea, and Japan. 

One lesson is that shipbuilders need to streamline building projects. However, right now, across the maritime industry many projects and shipyards are seeing record cost overruns, increasing delays, and longer development times.  

It doesn’t have to be like this. Automotive manufacturers have established proven best practices for solving ergonomic and safety challenges early in the design process. 

Solving design flaws and compliance risks with virtual models, before any costly mockups or construction begin, can save a ton of time and money. 

RAMSIS is our industry-leading software package for ergonomic design. It’s widely used by automotive manufacturers and increasingly by airplane, industrial machines, and outer space manufacturers. 

RAMSIS CAN HELP SHIPBUILDERS: 

• Design better command bridge and crew areas 
• Plan for visual acuity 
• Improve SOLAS compliance with evacuation routes 
• Build for inclusivity

When shipbuilders plan for ergonomics early, a ton of time and money can be saved. Development times can be shortened. 

You can integrate RAMIS into your project no matter what systems you’re using.

RAMSIS IS AVAILABLE AS:

• A standalone Windows software package
• Integrated module:
  • 3DEXPERIENCE
  • CATIA V5
  • Siemens NX

Here are some proven ways to prevent costly delays by implementing human-centered design.

In the past, validating maritime ergonomics was done with late-stage, slow, and expensive physical mockups. If errors were found, production would have to be paused.

Now, digital human modeling has changed everything. With RAMSIS, naval architects can reduce work by eliminating physical mockups.  

Doing validation in the digital realm keeps timelines on track. Costs are lowered. Development times are shortened.

Vessels are built right the first time. The physical mockup phase only needs to be done once. 

Often, late-stage changes or retrofits happen because the workspace can’t accommodate the actual crew. 

Modern crews are diverse. Crew members come from all over the world. Using “averages” for measurements to make sure crew areas really work for people doesn’t work.

With RAMSIS you have access to the world’s largest collection of anthropometric data. You can make sure you design inclusive spaces that work for everyone. 

The largest and most costly delays often come from failing safety or compliance inspections.  

It’s crucial to anticipate requirements. RAMSIS helps you implement a Safety-First approach. You can prevent health risks and unsafe crew areas long before construction or mockups begin.

Digital human modeling streamlines regulatory compliance. You can validate for ISO, ABS, and SOLAS requirements within your CAD environment.  

This proactive validation ensures that your design is fully compliant and safe. You’ll avoid the scheduling nightmares associated with late-stage redesigns. 

With so many challenges facing modern shipbuilders its important you find ways to reduce development times. Implementing safety-first ergonomics during your CAD design process is a proven way to keep your complex projects on track. 

We have more resources and experts standing by to help you plan or improve your ship building projects. 

• Learn more about cabin ergonomic design 
• Learn more about RAMSIS ergonomics software for ships 
• Download our “5 Key Considerations in Ship Design” Guide (PDF)