HULL STRESS MONITORING

Code No: 550

Video Running Time: 11 minutes

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Ships, particularly bulk carriers, have been subject to catastrophic structural failure, with the consequent loss of life. To reduce the incidence of such failures the IMO and leading Classification Societies have recommended the use of hull stress monitoring systems. This video explains the background to these systems and includes a contribution from the IMO.

The video establishes that stress monitoring systems assist ships' officers by providing real-time information on hull stress levels and vessel motion, both at sea or during cargo operations. It explains the benefits of the system. At sea, it allows speed and heading to be set to keep the vessel within acceptable stress and slamming limits. Significantly, the system will display - almost instantly - the results of any corrective action.

During cargo operations, the system provides hull stress information highlighting any departures from the loading plan or the vessel's maximum permitted stress limits. This is important as small deviations in cargo loading can result in disproportionately higher stress levels and possible permanent damage to the hull structure. The various components of a typical hull stress monitoring system are described; strain gauges, accelerometer units, bow pressure transducers and the bridge display unit. The video shows how they are installed and operated.