The Effect of Hull Form Parameters on the Hydrodynamic Performance of a Bulk Carrier

In this study, the effect of joint optimization of the principal dimensions and hull form on the hydrodynamic performance of a bulk carrier was studied. In the first part of the joint optimization process, fast principal-dimension optimization of the origin parent ship considering the integrated performance of ship resistance, seakeeping, and maneuverability, as well as their relationships with the principal dimensions were analyzed in detail based on the ship resistance, seakeeping qualities, and maneuverability empirical methods of Holtrop and Mennen, Bales, and K and T indices, respectively. A new parent ship was chosen from 496 sets of hulls after comprehensive consideration. In the remaining part, a further hull form optimization was performed on the new parent ship according to the minimum wave-making resistance. The obtained results demonstrate that: (a) For the case in which the principal dimension of the original parent-type ship is different from that of the owner’s target ship, within the bounds of the relevant constraints from the owner, an excellent parent ship can be obtained by principal-dimension optimization; (b) the joint optimization method considering the principal dimension and hull form optimization can further explore the optimization space and provide a better hull.