Aug 23, 2024

Rittal and Eplan at the SMM 2024 in Hamburg

From the new standard in design, planning and engineering to DNV accreditations: new efficiency trends driving the maritime industry

The direction of travel for tomorrow’s maritime industry is already charted today: With systematic digitalisation, standardisation and automation, shipbuilding and equipment manufacturing must constantly increase the efficiency of their value-added processes. Rittal and Eplan will demonstrate how the industry can achieve greater data consistency and also more reliably and confidently manage digital transformation at the SMM, the world’s leading maritime trade fair, taking place in Hamburg from 3 to 6 September. Maritime industry-accredited system solutions ensure greater system uptime even under the most adverse conditions.

The Eplan platform offers maritime-accredited design, visualisation, presentation and documentation of electrical engineering, automation technology, process engineering, climate control and ventilation technology, pneumatics and hydraulics, together with project, cable and equipment management, and all this with a data-based system architecture.

Everything will revolve around and focus on the maritime industry's future for four days when the “Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology” (SMM) trade fair opens in Hamburg on 3 September. Rittal and Eplan present their respective involvement and activity with regard the transformation of the industry: At their exhibition stand (Hall B6, Booth 319), visitors will be able to discover the latest solutions for achieving data consistency in shipbuilding and upstream equipment design, planning, engineering and manufacture.

The engineering standard for shipbuilding and offshore, port and infrastructure applications
Eplan will showcase end-to-end solutions for complete ship operating technology. Companies can benefit from a single standard-setting system for various areas within the maritime industry: The Eplan platform offers maritime-accredited design, planning, presentation and documentation of electrical engineering, automation technology, process engineering, climate control and ventilation technology, pneumatics and hydraulics, together with project, cable and equipment management, and all this with a data-based system architecture. In this way, a completely functional digital twin can be created – from individual components to the entire ship. The software can be easily integrated into existing systems and processes to make them more streamlined and efficient: Seamless connectivity to the master plan, 3D model, PDM and ERP systems, other database systems, and the PLC or ship automation is more easy to manage. The highlight at the stand is the demonstration of a manufacturer-independent Module Type Package (MTP) workflow from design, planning and engineering through to automation without any data disruption and inconsistencies. This is being demonstrated using the Phoenix Contact MTP Designer and a live example of a GEA bilge water system.

For the first time, Rittal will present at the SMM, the range of "Blue e+ dynamic" cooling units that have been successfully DNV tested and certified for marine applications.

Digital workflows in system and equipment engineering
Eplan and Rittal also provide innovative solutions for panel building and switchgear engineering and operation with digital solutions as well as system technology and automation. This way, equipment manufacturers benefit from can benefit from end-to-end seamless workflows across the entire value chain, from design and planning to system technology and from manufacturing to systems operation. With “Rittal ePocket”, the digital wiring plan pocket, Eplan and Rittal can demonstrate how the “life cycle management” of control and switchgear systems – and therefore the entire project – can now be transferred to the cloud. 

First successfully DNV-tested and certified cooling units
At the SMM, Rittal will present for the first time its range of successfully DNV-tested cooling units (“Blue e+ Dynamic”) for maritime applications. Rittal has further developed its cooling solutions and specifically for dynamic loads on the high seas. In addition to the usual EMC compatibility testing for ships, vibration resistance and the safe operation of the units when tilted was also tested in particular. DNV certification means that these units operate effectively and cool both safely and reliably, even under strong dynamic loads.

Rittal will also be showcasing the benefits of the marine-accredited VX25 and AX enclosures and enclosure platforms, along with the DNV-certified VX25 Ri4Power power distribution system solution.  Durable and weather-resistant outdoor enclosures, such as those used for shore power, and the latest IT infrastructure solutions, like the VX IT rack with LCP cooling, will also be on show.