For shipyards and suppliers
3D measurement for shipbuilding, yachts and refit
New glass, railings, the teak deck or the interior: everything to be installed on board must fit the actual structure, not the theoretical model. We capture the as-built condition in 3D. You get models that the shipyard, design office and suppliers can work with.
No obligation · quote in advance
- Laser scanning, photogrammetry, 3D modelling
- From sailing yachts to cruise ships
- Work at shipyards worldwide
What is your task?
Four tasks that shipyards and suppliers bring to us.
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The glass panes must fit before they are ordered
Window glass cannot be adapted to the built structure after production, so it must be made to fit exactly.
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A component is damaged and there are no drawings
A cracked window, a damaged fitting: we measure what is there so that the replacement fits.
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The fittings have to fit the steel structure
Railings, stairs, doors and panelling are planned on the steel as it was built, not on the design.
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How far does the hull deviate from the design?
Frame lines, filler quantities or the data for the rating of a sailing yacht: all are based on the measured shape.
Ship glazing: glazing models
New windows that fit when they are installed
Single panes and window bands should form one smooth line. So we capture the as-built condition of the steel components or the faired surfaces in 3D. From the data we create 3D models of the structure or production-ready 3D models.
We model each single pane and the complete window band to fit exactly, keeping to the required glass parameters such as joint widths, recess depths and screen printing specifications, and prepare them for production as required.
- We capture the structure at an agreed construction stage
- Model for each pane and for the complete window band, ready for production
- We work with the shipyard, glass manufacturer and glazier, from planning to installation
Are you planning new glazing?
Request a glazing model
3D models of the structure
How was the structure really built?
With 3D laser scanning and close-range photogrammetry we capture single components or whole ship sections with high accuracy. From the data we make a model of the structure as built. You can fit components into this model before they are made.
The same data show how much a component differs from the nominal geometry. Examples are the flatness of a surface or the plumbness of a bulkhead.
- Components, sections and complete segments
- Basis for fitting components
- Checks for flatness, plumbness and deviation from the design
Do you need a model of the structure as built?
Request a 3D model
Refit
A replacement for a component that has no drawing
A yacht gets new glazing, fully or in part. Fittings are rebuilt, or something is damaged. Then the component or its surroundings must be captured in 3D, so that it can be made again.
For example, we measure a cracked window while it is installed or after it is removed. So the new part fits in well, even if the original documents are missing.
- We measure the part installed or removed
- Surrounding structure captured at the same time
- Model as a template for the replacement
Is your yacht in refit?
Request a refit measurement
Hull and outfitting
From the underwater hull to the railing on deck.
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Hull measurement
We capture the real shape of the hull. From it we derive what you need: frame lines, filler quantities or the data for the rating of a sailing yacht.
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Interior
We measure the bare structure. With this you can plan geometry, material and costs precisely, for example for railings, windscreens, stairs and lifts, decorative panelling and doors. You get a 3D model, technical drawings or the point cloud.
Where we measure
At shipyards worldwide
We work at well-known shipyards, mainly in northern Germany and the Netherlands, and worldwide when needed.
How a measurement on board works
From the measuring task to the data for production.
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Define the task
What do we capture, at which construction stage and how accurately? Which data does the design office or supplier need?
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Quote
You get a binding quote before we start. It includes travel and time on board. The initial assessment is free of charge.
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Measurement on board
In the hall, in dry dock or in the harbour. We plan the dates to fit the shipyard's building schedule.
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Modelling and handover
You get the model, drawing or point cloud in the agreed format. On request we deliver it in the ship coordinate system.
Costs
What does a measurement on board cost?
3D measurement for shipbuilding is a freelance professional service. There is no official fee scale. You get a binding quote before we start.
The price depends on the size of the area and how easy it is to reach, the accuracy you need, the number of panes or components, the type of modelling and travel. Describe your task to us. The initial assessment is free of charge.
Good to know
- Binding quote before we start, initial assessment free of charge
- Also possible as repeated measurements over several construction stages
- Travel and time on board are in the quote, not added later
Frequently asked questions
Glass panes and glass bands
What is glass pane and glass band modelling?
Based on a precise 3D survey we create accurately fitting digital models of single panes and groups of panes. The aim is smooth lines and even surfaces, both for a single pane and across a whole glass band.
What is a glass band?
A glass band is a row of neighbouring glass panes that look like one continuous surface or line, for example along a ship superstructure. For the overall look to work, the shape, joints and lines of the single panes must match exactly.
Why is the pane not simply made from the design drawing?
In practice, steel parts and filled surfaces often differ from the planned geometry. So we capture the real state of the substructure at a certain time and model the glass to fit exactly.
Which measuring methods do you use for glass surfaces?
We use 3D laser scanning and close-range photogrammetry. Close-range photogrammetry reaches sub-millimetre accuracy and is especially suited to capturing glass surfaces and their joints exactly.
Which glass parameters are taken into account?
We model the glass to meet the required parameters, for example joint widths or screen printing specifications. The data is then prepared for production as required.
Which data does the glass manufacturer receive?
The glass models are prepared ready for production, so that the manufacturer can work with them directly. We agree the data format with everyone involved beforehand.
Refit
Which services do you offer for a refit?
We capture components and the surrounding structures in 3D, so that parts to be replaced can be rebuilt to fit exactly. A focus is complete or partial new glazing. We also survey hull, raw structures and interior for conversion and modernisation.
Why is a survey needed for a refit?
The real geometry of a ship often differs from the original plans, or there are no current documents. A precise survey of the current state makes sure that new parts fit first time and blend in with the overall look.
How is a damaged glass pane replaced?
We capture the pane, for example a cracked pane, installed or removed, whatever is possible during the refit, and if needed the surrounding structure too. On this basis the new pane is modelled to fit exactly and prepared for production, so that it blends in with the existing look.
Which measuring methods do you use for a refit?
For glazing we often use close-range photogrammetry, which reaches sub-millimetre accuracy. For larger structures, the hull or interiors we use 3D laser scanners and, if needed, total stations.
Do you also support interior conversions?
Yes. We survey the existing structures so that wall panels, floor coverings, railings, stairs and lifts, doors or decorative elements can be installed on site without extra rework. This is also the basis for planning material geometry and for estimating material and costs.
What results do I receive for a refit?
Depending on your needs, we deliver point clouds, 3D models, production-ready glass models or technical drawings, on request in the ship coordinate system. The data can be passed on to designers, manufacturers and other trades. We agree format and level of detail before the survey.
Hull survey
What is a hull survey?
In a hull survey we capture the whole surface of the ship hull in 3D. The result is an exact digital copy of the current state. It is the basis for planning, production, quality inspection or a refit.
How is a ship hull surveyed?
We mainly use 3D laser scanners that capture the surface without contact, with up to one million points per second. Depending on the task, we add close-range photogrammetry, industrial total stations or laser tracking.
How accurate is the hull survey?
Our 3D laser scanners capture the hull in fine detail with millimetre accuracy. For very high requirements in single areas, photogrammetry reaches sub-millimetre accuracy and the laser tracker a hundredth of a millimetre.
What can I use the data of a hull survey for?
From the surveyed hull we derive a 3D model with many uses. These include calculating the filler needed, creating frame lines and views, analysing deformation and planning material geometry and cost estimates.
Can a hull be surveyed later, for example during a refit?
Yes. For conversions and refits, the survey of the current state is often the most important basis for planning, because the real shape can differ from the original plans after many years.
In which formats do I receive the results of the hull survey?
Depending on your needs, you receive point clouds, 3D models or technical drawings such as frame lines and views. The data can be transferred to higher-level systems and combined with the data of other trades.
Where we work
Do you work outside Germany?
Yes. Besides shipyards in northern Germany and the Netherlands, we also work for clients worldwide. We plan the journey with you and include it in the quote.
Related services
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Industrial metrology and laser tracking
Inspect components and align machines to a hundredth of a millimetre.
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Reverse engineering
From the existing part back to the CAD model, so you can change or copy it.
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3D laser scanning and as-built surveys
Survey buildings and plants, as-built drawings and models for conversion and BIM.
Do you have a measuring task on board?
Tell us what we should capture and what you need the data for. We will tell you how we measure it.