A research vessel (RV) plays an important role in many fields such as oceanography, fisheries and polar research, hydrographic surveys, and oil exploration. It also has a unique function in maritime research and developments. Full-scale sea trials that require vessels, are usually extremely expensive; however, research vessels are more available than other types of ship. This paper presents the results of a time-domain simulation model of R/V Gunnerus, the research vessel of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), using MARINTEK’s vessel simulator (VeSim). VeSim is a time-domain simulator which solves dynamic equations of vessel motions and takes care of seakeeping and manoeuvring problems simultaneously. In addition to a set of captive and PMM tests on a scale model of Gunnerus, full-scale sea trials are carried out in both calm and harsh weather and the proposed simulation model is validated against sea trial data.

The introduction of the energy efficiency design index (EEDI), which is applicable for various types of new-built ships after January 1,2013, raised concerns regarding the sufficiency of propulsion power and steering devices to maintain maneuverability in adverse conditions. This was the motivation for the initiation of the EU research project SHOPERA (Energy Efficient Safe SHip OPERAtion, 2013–2016, http://www.shopera.org). The aim of this article is the development of suitable methods, tools, and guidelines to effectively address the above concerns and to enable safe and green shipping. Within the framework of SHOPERA, a comprehensive experimental program of more than 1300 different model tests for three ship hulls of different geometry and hydrodynamic characteristics has been conducted by four leading European maritime experimental research institutes: MARINTEK, Norway; CEHIPAR, Spain; Technische Universität Berlin, Germany; and Flanders Hydraulics Research, Belgium. The tested hull types refer to two public domain designs, namely the KVLCC2 tanker and the Duisburg Test Case (DTC) container ship, as well as to a small RoPax ferry design, which is a proprietary hull design of a member of the SHOPERA consortium. The conducted tests were distributed among the four research institutes to benefit from the unique possibilities of each facility and to gain added value by establishing data sets for the same hull model and test type at different under keel clearances. This article presents the scope of the SHOPERA model test program for the two public domain hull models—the KVLCC2 and the DTC. The main particulars and loading conditions for the two vessels as well as the experimental setup is provided to support the interpretation of the experimental data that is presented. The focus lies on the added resistance and drift forces at zero and moderate forward speed, propulsion, and rudder force tests in waves and the assessment of maneuverability of ships in waves, as compared to calm water conditions.

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