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The goal of this study is to investigate ship propulsion system dynamics under sea wave conditions by including the interaction of hull, propeller, and engine. A mathematical ship propulsion system model was made and the related computer code was developed. To get the results as close as possible to real conditions, measured data for physical models, including the ship’s resistance in calm and sea waves and propeller performance, were implemented in the model. For a diesel engine, performances provided by the manufacturer were used. The wave force time series, as exciting force, changed the propulsion system state from steady to transient. It activated system variables including ship’s speed, advance number, propeller and engine torque, propeller and engine rotational speeds, effective and generated powers, and net thrust. The analysis was performed for a container ship for two regular waves. Using the developed computer code, the ship’s speed and system variables, as well as the consumed fuel and the voyage distance, were calculated and compared with the calm water condition. The voyage mode was set on constant rotational engine speed implementing a P-action governor with fuel rate and engine torque limiters. The outcomes of the research explain the influence of the governor and its limiters on fuel consumption, identify the nonlinear impact of sea waves on propeller characteristics, and underline the effect of voyage mode on system response and the consumed fuel. The results also show that the conventional method for calculating speed reduction based on the added resistance is not capable of justifying the system’s dynamic behaviour.

The problem of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in shipping is currently addressed by many research works and related industries. There are many existing and visionary technologies and ideas, which are conceptually defined or practically realised. This goal can be achieved in different ways, and reducing fuel consumption is one of the major methods. In these circumstances, the aim of this study is to analyse the possibility of fuel consumption reduction by using an alternative control strategy for low-speed marine diesel engines which would take into account the interactions between hull, propeller and main engine. For this purpose, a mathematical model including ship hull and propulsion system is developed. A case study is conducted for a ship for which the results of both the ship hull and screw propeller model tests are available. A low-speed two-stroke diesel engine is then selected for the considered ship. Two different governors are included in the model and their parameters are changed to investigate the dynamic behaviour of the system when simulating the forward acceleration mode in calm sea conditions. The research is mainly focused on variations of fuel consumption by the ship passing a certain distance to reach the nominal constant speed. It is concluded that, for a given travel distance, it is possible to save considerable amount of fuel at the expense of slight increase of journey time.

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