How data consistency works in shipbuilding

Digital transformation is one of the major challenges that the shipping industry, among others, will have to overcome. At the world’s leading maritime industry trade show, the POSIDONIA 2024 (from 3 to 7 June), Rittal and Eplan will be demonstrating how data consistency can be achieved in shipbuilding; from planning to engineering and production through to operation. The latest enclosure, power distribution, climate control and IT infrastructure solutions that ensure greater operational reliability in the maritime ecosystem are also being presented.

How can you create complete, functional digital twins from a single component and even an entire ship? Eplan, the engineering solution provider, is offering the maritime industry the chance to design and display the entire ship’s operating technology within a data-based system landscape based on the Eplan Platform. This applies to the areas of process engineering, climate control and ventilation, as well as pneumatics, hydraulics and electrical engineering.

Digital workflows in plant engineering
Eplan and Rittal are also supporting their customers in plant engineering and operation with digital solutions, system technology and automation solutions. Panel building and switchgear manufacturers benefit from consistent workflows along the entire value chain from engineering to production and commissioning to plant operation. With “Rittal ePocket”, the digital wiring plan pocket, the companies are showing how the “life cycle file” of control and switchgear systems is now moving to the cloud. By scanning a QR code on the enclosure, users can easily access the system documentation, including the digital twin. In the event of a fault or modification, maintenance engineers and those responsible for machinery and plants have full transparency and readily available data so they can make the right decisions.”

Robust and secure infrastructure
With its VX25 and AX maritime-certified enclosure platforms – made of sheet steel, stainless steel and plastic – Rittal is also showing how to meet the maritime industry's stringent requirements in terms of operational safety. Among other things, there is a VX25 enclosure specially configured for shipbuilding with more resistance to marine vibrations, and equipped with an air/water heat exchanger and fan-and-filter unit. If energy-efficient cooling units are needed in a maritime environment, trade fair visitors can find out more about Rittal’s Blue e+ series, which can save 75 percent of energy.

The VX25 Ri4Power low-voltage switchgear system, newly certified for maritime use in accordance with DNV, provides answers to requirements that are particularly important in shipbuilding: safety and speed. DNV certification helps later on with overall certification, so saving time.

Rittal will also be exhibiting rugged outdoor enclosure solutions based on the CS Toptec and outdoor enclosures for AX enclosures; these are used, for example, for shore power applications to supply ships with electrical energy.

Its portfolio for IT infrastructures ranges from IT racks and IT cooling to power distribution and monitoring.

Rittal will thus be showing how major gains in efficiency can be achieved in production and operation based on standardised platform solutions.
 

About Rittal
Rittal, headquartered in Herborn, Germany, is a leading global provider of solutions for industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control and IT infrastructure, as well as software and services. Systems made by Rittal are deployed in over 90 per cent of all industries across the world, including machine building and plant engineering, food and beverages, and IT and telecommunications.

The international market leader’s product portfolio includes configurable enclosures, with data available across the entire production process. Smart Rittal cooling systems, with up to 75 per cent lower power and a great carbon advantage can communicate with the production landscape, enabling predictive maintenance and servicing. The offering also includes innovative IT products, from IT racks and modular data centres to edge and hyperscale computing solutions.

Founded in 1961, Rittal is the largest company in the family-owned Friedhelm Loh Group. The group operates worldwide, with more than 12 production sites and over 95 international subsidiaries. It has more than 12,000 employees and posted revenues of 3 billion euros in fiscal 2022. In 2023, it was presented with the “Best Place to Learn” and “Employer of the Future” awards. In 2024, Rittal received the Top 100 award as one of Germany’s most innovative medium-sized companies for the third time.

For more information, visit www.rittal.com and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com.