Improved prediction methods for ships

Purpose and goal

The overall aim of this project was to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by improving the methods for predicting ships´ energy efficiency in the design stage. The goal was to improve today´s methods, based on experiments, by combining them with numerical methods, CFD. The project has in international collaboration developed and improved current methods using CFD / EFD combined methods. This has been reflected in ITTC´s´ Recommened Procedures, which is used by the entire industry.

Expected results and effects

The project has developed an improved method which, by combining calculations (CFD) and experiments (EFD), determines a ship´s energy efficiency in the design stage. A guideline for quality assurance of CFD for ships has been written and spread through international collaboration. This is expected to increase the accuracy and credibility of determining ship efficiency. A concrete example of the effect is the IMO´s environmental index EEXI, which affects a large part of the world´s fleet. Without the developed guideline for quality assurance of CFDs, the uncertainty would be higher.

Planned approach and implementation

The approach was based on two components: a phD student who focus on method development, and international collaboration so the results can reach out and influence. SSPA initiated and chaired an international committee under ITTC with responsibility for current issues. With support in the phD student´s research, SSPA could push through the changes. The committee will continue and the strategy for combined methods will be used in other areas. This approach and Vinnova´s support was crucial for Sweden to be able to influence the shipping industry towards reducing its climate impact.