The MACS3.NET Loading Computer System is a computer controlled loading system for commercial vessels, developed by Software Solutions Department of INTERSCHALT maritime systems AG. Prior to September 1, 2007 it was offered by Seacos Computersysteme & Software GmbH.
MACS3 consists of computer hardware and a range of software, which aim to minimize the operational load while loading a vessel, and to prevent any hard limitations from being breached.
The software architecture and user interface of the MACS3 .NET Loading Computer System are designed according to the standard ISO 16155:2006 Ships and marine technology - Computer applications - Shipboard loading instruments, and to the following Rules and Recommendations:
- Rules & Guidelines of Germanischer Lloyd, chapter "Loading Computer Systems"
- ABS Guidance Notes for the Application of Ergonomics to Marine Systems
- BV Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships, Pt C, Ch 3, Sec 3 "COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS"
- IACS Recommendation on Loading Instruments (No 48)
The software of MACS3.NET Loading Computer System includes the MACS3 Basic Loading Program, performing functions of Categories A and B according to the ISO 16155:2006 and (optionally) a range of additional modules and programs, performing functions of Category C:
BELCO Container Management ModuleDAGO Dangerous Goods ModulesStowMAN Stowage PlanningSEALASH Lashing ModuleMIXCARGO General Cargo ModuleRoRo ModuleCrane Operation ModuleBulk Carrier ModulesTanker ModulesBallastMAN Ballast Water Exchange ModuleVoyage HistoryDastyMAN Damage StabilityOnline Program (Tanks Online)The system runs under both 32- and 64-bit operating systems Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
MACS3 Basic Loading Program is designed for all vessel types (container, tanker, bulk carrier, general cargo, RoRo, passenger) in accordance with the unified IACS Requirement L5 "Onboard Computers for Stability Calculations". It is approved by all leading classification societies: GL, LR, ABS, DNV, BV, NKK, KR.
MACS3 Basic Loading Program performs:
Ship stability and strength calculations, covering all pertinent international regulations like e.g. IMO A.749Numerical and graphical results for Metacentric height GM, trim, heel, draft, shear forces, bending moments and torsionMetacentric height GM check against various approved GM requirement curvesGZ curve for dynamic stabilityAutomatic wind pressure calculationAutomatic ballast tank optimizationTank plan with visual editingOptional online measurement of tank levels and draft (sold separately)User interface with tabbed main window for multiple views, all fully customizableScreen and print reports in PDF, HTML and XML formatsMACS3 Basic Loading Program supports client–server software architecture for distributed cargo management and allows the complete loading condition (container, tanks, general cargo and constant items) to be stored in a single compressed mxml-file, making it very easy for you to exchange loading conditions between ship and office.
BELCO enhances the MACS3 Basic Loading Program with easy-to-use container management features. It works with high level of integration into MACS3 .NET, so any changes to the container cargo are immediately reflected in the MACS3 stability and strength calculations. The results of the MACS3 and BELCO can be displayed simultaneously at any time.
The MACS3 screen and print reporting in PDF, HTML and XML formats is also fully available to BELCO.
Data Features:
Variable container sizesWide range of information per container: ISO 6346 (both old and new) and custom types, weight, ports of loading/discharge/final/transshipment, operator etc.Calculation of vertical, transversal and longitudinal centre of gravity for each containerFull EDIFACT supportUN LOCODE databasePort rotation with date/time and quaysCargo Handling
Efficient pre-stowage and pre-discharge functions, bay-, row-, tier- or port-wiseVisual editing of reefer positions and hot areasLoading/discharge listPlan viewFully functional layer viewFully functional single page viewTop view with various criteriaBlock shiftMulti-step UndoHatch-cover handlingSymbolic presentation of pierResult table with free selection of row/column criteria, including sub-rows, sub-columns and subtotalsOn-the-fly and combined checks:
Visibility (IMO and Panama) check with blind sectors in relation to trim/draft changeSegregation of Dangerous goods,Restows,Lashing forces,Lashing inventory,Stack weights (maximum stack weight according to the shipyard, as well as 20' stacks weights in holds according to the Classification Societies),"Flying" containers,Reefer plug positions,Hatch cover clearance,Compatibility of container types with ship design,Load and destination locations according to the UN Locode databases and to the Port Call List,Overdimensions,Handling instructions and Loading Remarks (like "away from boiler", "on-deck-only"),Container numbers,False empties, etc.Visualization
Multiple bay views with individual settingsVisualization of hatch covers and tweendecksAbout 150 different container criteria for visualization and statisticsUp to 12 information areas with text per containerContainers can be coloured by a variety of criteria, e.g. by port of dischargeMultiple colours per containerLongitudinal section and top view with tanks, holds, containers and visibility linesCommodity list with possible restrictionsRealistic 3D view – both Helicopter and Personal (Walking) modesChecks the fulfilment of the stowage and segregation requirements imposed by the latest version of the IMDG code (DAGO Part I)Includes a database of dangerous goods with all relevant information from the IMDG code and the Emergency Schedules (EmS) (DAGO Part I)Unlimited number of dangerous goods both per container and per shipCompany-specific blacklists of IMDG classes and UN numbersCFR 49, list of CDC goodsTakes orientation of reefers into accountFire Fighting and Safety Plan (DAGO Part II)Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG) (DAGO Part III)Stowage planning for on board useImport and export of container data in text files or EDIFACT / BAPLIE, export of MOVINS, COARRI, COPRARCalculation according to the rules of the classification societies GL, DNV, BV, ABS and LR. Approved by GL, DNV and BV.Calculation of lash forces per stack, with exceeding values in redFlying hints show exceeding lashing forces for containersCalculation of maximum weight of an additional containerVisual lashingCheck of available lash eyesMain parameter tableMIXCARGO: General Cargo, Ro/Ro and Ferry-Module
Manages all kinds of cargo: trailers, single parts, homogeneous surface cargoDefinition of polygon shaped cargoVisual arrangement of cargo with drag-and-dropAutomatic displaying of the documents, associated with single cargo unitsVisual alignment of centres of gravityUser-extendable cargo types library (with cargo geometry definition)Lane/SECU-Loading, Top-loading, Multi-Loading in areas, Side-View-LoadingFree rotation of cargoLoading checks (load capacity, dangerous cargo, overlapping, hit testing)Cutting stock optimization for available stowage areaZooming/scrolling, meter- and frame- rulers and gridsSimulates a crane operation in single or combined modeVisual presentation of the reach and the safe working load in a top viewBallasting using heeling tanks in shift tanks modeAll relevant stability and strength criteria can be supervised during simulationLogging of crane motion and resultsBulk strength for calculation of longitudinal strength in flooded condition according to IACS rule 17BULKLIM checks load limitations depending on the structure of the double bottom given by the classLoadMan for optimization of cargo in holds and loading / discharging sequencesGrain Program for calculation of grain stability and reports, e.g. according to the National Cargo Bureau (United States of America)Proven Ullage Report including ASTM table based volume correctionVessel experience factor and cargo historyDangerous goods data base (IBC, CHRIS Code) printout of substance information page, cargo segregation and compatibility checkMFAG code and EMS integration, emergency simulation and easy links to the information relevant for the actual loaded cargoBallastMAN manages a ship’s ballast water exchange on the high seas in accordance with IMO Resolution A.868 (20).Sequences of tank emptying and filling can be completely planned and executed, thus making sure that the exchange is carried out both safely and efficiently. During Planning Stage BallastMAN determines the fastest and safest sequence, continually calculating stability and longitudinal strength. During Execution Stage BallastMAN monitors the tank levels online, issues instructions when to operate pumps and valves and warns if a crucial deviation from the plan is detected.BallastMAN creates the Ballast Water Reporting Form required by U.S. Coast Guard / NBIC, AQIS and New ZealandPre-calculates the changes in stability during a voyage resulting from the consumption of bunkerGraphical and numerical history and reportsDeterministic damage stability calculation using the lost buoyancy methodRequired damage conditions as laid down by the classification society are calculated automatically when cargo or bunker has been changedThe calculation results are checked against the appropriate IMO criteria, e.g. IBC-code, SOLASInterfaces to a wide range of tank automation systemsRecurring automatic update of loading condition by the current tank readingsEach tank may be switched online or offline individuallyThe MACS3 loader is now installed on more than 4.700 commercial vessels (Q2/2009). The market share of MACS3 among all loading solutions is:
Container ships – about 52% (est. Q1/2009).RO-RO ships & Multi-purpose vessels – about 12% (est. Q4/2007)tankers – about 7% (est. Q4/2007)