Hamburg/Germany– Ships and offshore units are specialist structures with high requirements for efficiency and availability throughout their entire life cycle. Many of the processes, from production all the way to operation, can now be supported by 3D models and computer graphics. As with most developing technologies, this change brings up a number of questions. How can the actual dimensions of a compartment be measured efficiently in case of retrofit e.g. for ballast water treatment or ILO MLC? How can the location of a structural crack be reported to onshore colleagues? How can the design of a vessel be communicated for review by owner or class? These themes were reflected in the presentations and discussions at the GL Exchange Forum "3D Technology in Shipbuilding and Shipping" held last week. 50 representatives from the maritime industry, shipping companies, ship management agencies, shipyards, and stakeholders met at Germanischer Lloyd's Head Office to discuss the potential