Award: Navy-funded R&D for AI-Enhanced shipbuilding Standardization solution
Hawk Technologies, LLC has been awarded a US Navy-funded contract via the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) for "Smart Supports - AI-Enhanced Navy Pipe Hanger Standardization." This pioneering project delivers the industry's first AI expert system built specifically for ship designers, automating the selection and placement of standardized pipe supports in 3D CAD models using legacy qualification documents for complete traceability and NAVSEA compliance.
By addressing inconsistent, yard-specific designs, the initiative creates a shared standard library to cut redundancies, boost interoperability, and streamline shipbuilding processes.
Key Impacts on Shipbuilding
Cost and Efficiency Gains: Reduces design, qualification, and construction time for pipe supports, minimizing non-conformances and enabling advanced automation like model-based prefabrication and robotic welding—lowering overall Navy vessel ownership costs.
Broader Innovation: Sets a scalable foundation for mass standardization within US shipbuilding, accelerating digital production lines in engineering and detailed design.
Collaborative Team
Led by Hawk Technologies, the project unites top partners:
SSI USA for ShipConstructor software integration—view demo: Pipe Hanger Video.
Participating shipyards: Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Austal USA.
NAVSEA oversight: NAVSEA 05T, NAVSEA 05Z41 (Machinery - Fluid Systems - Ships), NAVSEA 05P (Shock)
Congratulations to these collaborators and the 17 other NSRP awardees. Results will roll out through ShipConstructor and NSRP presentations, with extensions to other CAD tools.
More transformative modules ahead.
See official press release here for all 18 awards: