Reducing the impact of variations in ship construction
Significant improvements have been achieved in the design of more fuel-efficient ships in recent years, the classification society noted. The performance of the Eco-Ship designs has been documented by both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and tank testing, and some designs have also proven their performance in operation. However, questions have been raised about variations in performance and research has now shown a wide variation in different ships of the same design, DNV GL said.
“We have compiled data that shows there is a large variation in fuel consumption between ships of the same design. This has led us to develop a new service, Build2Design, which aims at ensuring that the actual ship delivered is as good as its design,” said Michael Aasland, business director for the bulk carriers segment at DNV GL - Maritime.
Dr Olav Rognebakke, head of Hydrodynamics at DNV GL, added: “Build2Design is based on a solid theoretical foundation combined with the latest technology and uses advanced CFD calculations to identify the parameters that affect fuel consumption and the effect of each individual parameter.”
In developing the new service, DNV GL undertook a sensitivity analysis of over 20 parameters and considered both the complexity of addressing the parameter and the impact on fuel consumption of each parameter. The project’s results also show that the selection of the parameters will be design-specific since the flow around the ship hull varies from design to design.
“We have taken a cost/benefit approach when selecting the parameters so that the shipowner obtains the maximum benefit with the minimum impact on the shipyard,” Aasland said. “Just one of the parameters we are considering is the positioning and alignment of the bilge keel. Advanced CFD calculations show that a 0.5% reduction in resistance can be achieved by adjusting the position and angle.”
From the first pilot project carried out on the new bulk carrier concept Green Dolphin 38 design, a conservative estimate shows that a saving of 2% can be achieved, which equates to 80 tonnes of fuel/year and a saving of USD 50,000/year. Corresponding figures for a typical Capesize bulk carrier are 200 tonnes of fuel/year and a saving of USD 120,000/year.