Abstract
Modernizing the sustainment of the future and existing naval fleets through digital solutions is critical to ensuring long-term readiness, operational efficiency, and cost-effective lifecycle management. This paper examines the implementation of shipbuilding-specific Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems to configuration-manage naval assets across the program lifecycle. Examining strategies deployed in Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and US Navy programs that leverage model-based sustainment and the digital twin to improve asset availability starting from an on-time entering of service.
By integrating engineering, procurement, production, and in-service support (ISS), a model-based approach establishes an accessible digital thread and maintains digital twins for both new-build and in-service vessels. This enables comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) through intelligent data capture, precise configuration management, and improved information flow across stakeholders. We demonstrate how this strategy reduces total program lifecycle costs.
Key challenges in modernizing legacy fleets and new builds include fragmented data silos, complex maintenance planning, and aging equipment. Our approach emphasizes a central, shipbuilding-specific PLM environment to unify and connect data sources, ensuring a single, accurate source of truth for asset condition, configuration changes, and maintenance planning.
A case study on how SSI is working with a major global naval force on a digital transformation initiative to enhance the efficiency of docking work periods for a fleet of frigates is included. This initiative significantly reduces lead times, improves schedule predictability, enhances collaboration, and supports strategic defence readiness through the application of the model-based sustainment practices as described. This approach supports the current fleets of the world’s navies while preparing for emerging missions and technological demands.
Authors
Nick Danese, SSI/NDAR
Simon Crook, SSI, FRINA
Greg Goulanian, SSI
Full Paper
From the proceedings of RINA Warship 2025