Preliminary Design of a High-Speed SWATH Passenger/Car Ferry

Abstract

The paper summarizes results of a recent research project of the National Technical University of Athens on the preliminary design and computer-aided optimization of a high-speed small waterplane area, twin hull (SWATH) passenger/car ferry. The projected vessel would be employed as a link in a rapid marine transit system connecting the Greek mainland (port of Piraeus) with the island of Crete (port of Heraklion). Alternative routes, leading to different vessel sizes and speeds, can be studied by the same developed design methodology and are currently under consideration for the local Greek or further Mediterranean market. Following a three-stage, techno-economical optimization to estimate the main dimensions and the hull form of the projected vessel, the preliminary design of a prototype SWATH vessel has been completed at NTUA, comprising all main steps of the well-known design spiral. Because the developed vessel is a prototype, it was essential to develop the proper analytical and numerical, computer-aided design tools to enable the necessary repetition of the various steps in the framework of a converging design. Theoretical predictions of the vessel's hydrodynamic behavior (powering and seakeeping) have been accompanied by a series of towing tank model experiments. The economic and operational advantages of the proposed concept are explained.