ShipConstructor on Course at FMI

Albacore Research Ltd. (ARL) announced the introduction of ShipConstructor into the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Systems Design three-year diploma programs at the Fisheries & Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MI) in St. John’s, Canada. ShipConstructor is the easy-to-use, AutoCAD-based 3D product-modeling software for the design and fabrication of complete ships and offshore structures.

Akin to the University of New Orleans’ implementation of ShipConstructor for an industry-focused approach to education, even more students will now have a working knowledge of ShipConstructor upon graduation, a significant advantage when entering the job market.

“Since the near global adoption of computer aided drafting began, we have seen a continuing evolution in engineering graphics as it has moved toward three dimensional pictorial representations,” says Mark Wareham, Chair of the Marine Engineering Systems Design program. “We have integrated ShipConstructor into our program in an effort to remain a leader within the marine industry.”

Students in the two programs at MI already utilize industry relevant software for lines fairing, power prediction, stability analysis, and drafting. With the addition of ShipConstructor they will now gain experience in powerful 3D production-based software.

Having two programs as closely related as Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Systems Design allows MI to take advantage of several ShipConstructor modules.

Initially, second year Naval Architecture students will be using ShipConstructor to define basic ship structural components as an integral part of the program's ship structure and shipbuilding courses. In their final year they will build on this foundation by applying their knowledge to the structural elements of a major ship design project. The Marine Engineering Systems Design students will then design and model all the major engineering systems to suit the conceptual design started by the naval architects.

In implementing ShipConstructor, MI has partnered with the local design firm Genoa Design International Ltd. (www.genoadesign.com), a ShipConstructor user, to provide support and guidance. Both parties will benefit in that MI will strengthen its presence within the local marine industry, and Genoa Design and other design offices and shipyards will have ready access to trained graduates proficient with ShipConstructor.