Project presentation: Steel Material Lifecycle Improvement

With increasing costs and the significant carbon footprint of steel materials, Meyer Turku’s hull production and IT departments were faced with a common challenge: how to ensure efficient use of steel and timely delivery to shipbuilding? The Steel Material Lifecycle Improvement (SMLC) production development project was initiated to answer the question.

The NEcOLEAP-supported SMLC research project set out to increase the efficiency of production processes. The SMLC team started exploring how new technologies and improved use of data could be utilized in operational activities to support decision-making.

By combining data from several key systems in different production phases, such as basic and detail design, work planning, nesting, coordination and production-planning systems, the actual material needs could be better anticipated. The project also made the nesting process more efficient, which reduces material waste and improves overall production flow.

In addition, it was discovered during the piloting phase that the recycling of residual steel sheets has greater potential than expected. As a result, their recycling became more systematic and residual material is stored more efficiently for later use.

Together these measures led to significant cost savings and a reduced amount of material waste. Simultaneously, the carbon footprint of production lowered while data utilization capabilities increased. The annual reduction in steel to be ordered is equivalent to the yearly carbon footprint of 9 400 cars*.

*calculated with an annual driving distance of 13,500 km with emissions of 150 g/km.