Modification of containership hulls at speeds reduced for cutting down greenhouse gases

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. The objects of study are two containerships of 8100 and 8500 TEU capacities operated by Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd, Greece. The purpose is to experimentally verify alteration of bow shapes in the containerships designed to reduce hydrodynamic resistance at a lower operation speed, as well as to examine the impact of these alterations on energy efficiency design index (EEDI). Materials and methods. Experimental data from model tests were obtained in a deep-water test tank of Krylov State Research Centre. Main results. Based on the research studies the shaft power was determined versus the containership speed for the hulls with the original and modified bow shapes. Conclusion. Switchover to lower speeds combined with optimization and modernization of bow shapes will bring a possible reduction of shaft power and, accordingly, less fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 %.