Comprehensive Assessment of Hull Geometry Influence of a Modernized Ship on Maneuvering Performance and Propulsion System Parameters

Abstract

The necessity to preserve economic efficiency of cruise ships operation stipulates fleet modernization in order to avoid expenses on ordering and construction of new ships. In this paper an approach based on hull length increase in the process of ship modernization is discussed. The method of evaluation of changes in maneuvering characteristics of ship after modernization is developed taking into account the operational parameters of propulsive electric power plants. The calculations are based on the analysis of transient modes of propulsive power plants operation during the corresponding maneuvers. The parameters influencing the characteristics of ship motion during turning circle are revealed; their significance is estimated, comparative analysis of the effect of ship hull length on maneuvering parameters before and after modernization is carried out. It was shown that in some cases the characteristics of the ship’s controllability and operating parameters of the ship power plant after modernization remain within the permissible limits. The comparative results show that the increase in hull length leads to insignificant deterioration of the main maneuverability characteristics while the electric power plant indicators practically do not deteriorate, which confirms the expediency of such modernization.