In this scenario, 3D CAD information will be used to command automatically a construction grid which will shape freeform plates at will.

In shipbuilding, the most promising field for the improvement of
its overall efficiency is, according to the maritime industries Master Plan, pro-
duction (including design) technology. Novel technologies, automation and robotisation as well as the integration of the design and fabrication processes can lead to a much increased productivity and transform shipbuilding from labour intensive to a technology intensive sector.

To optimise Initial, Basic and Detailed Design

This scenario addresses the creation of simulation tools of a degree of sophistication and a level of functionalities well ahead of present day tools, particularly in what concerns optimisation of planning and visualisation capabilities.

In the Integrated Design Scenario, there were two practical levels of implementation: Basic Design and Detailed Design. The first one was considered easier (but not trivial) to implement because it usually involves internal processes within the shipyard.

As the tendency of most of the shipyards is to reduce the work force of their engineering departments, the large shipyards prefer to increase their design capacity by subcontracting a substantial part of the engineering, particularly the detail engineering, to several design agents.

There is therefore room for a new scenario, which complements and tries to extend the Integrated Design scenario to the next logical step in which the engineering work is performed by a set of design offices working simultaneously in different locations and sharing common information.

This scenario is also complementary with the Internet Use scenario, because it is strongly supported by different web tools and web applications.

Tool for helping shipyards cope with the increased risk of fires and correspondingly more onerous insurers requirements

Hull inspections are a vital component of the maintenance schedule for large ships but are also one of the most costly and time-consuming. This scenario predicts an inspection process capable of being completed autonomously at sea, with no need for dry-docking.

Incompatibilities in design are the main sources of errors in production. The scenario envisages a Design process which implements Concurrent Engineering throughout all the relevant departments, in a way that will ensure no incompatibilities could be left unchecked after the Design process is concluded.

The Internet is very under-exploited in ship manufacturing at present. However, the possibilities for its profitable use are myriad. This scenario predicts a shipyard environment making the best possible use of new, internet-enabled technologies to reduce production times, cut down on errors and improve quality and customer satisfaction.

To facilitate the presently drawn out and expensive process of production Re-engineering by creating the appropriate tools for speeding up the process and making the implementation of the re-engineered process more effective.

To create the IT tools for efficient and distributed risk management

Robots are becoming increasingly common in ship construction and parts manufacturing. However, ship construction is still very labour intensive and is considered to be a hazardous industry. These two facts indicate the potential for more robotic assistance. This scenario examines the heavily automated shipyard environment, especially through the role of mobile robots.

To develop a long-term, cost-effective, proactive strategy and the appropriate tools, to ensure marine environmental compliance at Shipyards.