Navis launches new module of loading computer MACS3 for ship navigation in Polar waters

posted by AJOT | Jun 20 2018 at 08:22 AM | Maritime

Replaces tedious manual process for ice weight calculations
Module complies with the IMO’s International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters

Oakland, CA – When navigating through polar waters, additional hazards such as ice accumulation and low temperatures that can affect a ship’s stability must be taken into consideration, according to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code). Navis, a part of Cargotec Corporation and provider of operational technologies that unlock greater performance and efficiency for the world’s leading organizations across the shipping supply chain, has introduced a new MACS3 loading computer module that automates stability calculations in compliance with the IMO Polar Code.

The new MACS3 PolarCodeBasic module replaces tedious manual calculations previously required for tasks such as topside icing by automatically inputting stability calculations. The software takes the ship design, on deck equipment and cargo structure into consideration to calculate all vertical and horizontal areas in accordance with the IMO Polar Code.

In the past decade, ship operations in polar waters have increased significantly. With the introduction of the Polar Code, the IMO took the hazardous conditions associated with polar waters into consideration and set new standards to make ocean transport across those areas safer. The regulation went into effect on January 1, 2017 and all new vessels built on or after that date are subject to the standards. As of January 1, 2018, it applies to all existing vessels navigating in polar waters as well. With regard to stability, the IMO regulation requires that all ships have sufficient stability when ice accretion is likely to occur; therefore, the intact stability calculations must take into account an icing allowance.

“Reliable stability calculations are the key competence of the onboard loading computer MACS3”, says Guy Rey-Herme, the President of XVELA and the Head of Maritime Solution at Navis. “We are now happy to assist ship owners and managers in providing an effective way to optimize the protection of their crew, vessels and cargo operating in these harsh environments.”

MACS3 PolarCodeBasic module is available for all vessel types such as container vessels, bulk carriers, tanker vessels, multipurpose vessels, offshore vessels and roll-on roll-off vessels.

Established in 1984, the MACS3 loading computer includes a ship library of approximately 5,000 vessel profiles and holds a market share of approximately 65 percent for the container vessel segment. Following the integration of MACS3 with XVELA’s collaborative platform and StowMan, the vessel profiles are now also available to users of XVELA and StowMan software. Due to MACS3’s connectivity to XVELA, customers profit from a faster check of stability and lashing calculations since the vessel planner of the terminals can see the same results as the vessel while creating their plan, resulting in a quicker start of loading and discharging operations at the terminal.

Furthermore, as an industry standard, MACS3 has been deployed for training of future nautical officers by maritime colleges and universities worldwide.