The effect of a foul release coating on propeller performance

With the imminent ban on the application of coatings of TBT self-polishing co-polymers in January 2003 and their eventual prohibition in 2008 a great deal of research is being conducted into the performance of the possible alternatives. As part of the ongoing work investigating the hydrodynamic performance of foul release systems, being carried out at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, a study into the possible benefits of their use on propellers has been conducted. The benefits that this method of propeller protection offers are potential fuel savings from increased propulsive efficiency as well as lower maintenance costs and a cleaner environment. Initially a literature review exploring the effect of propeller surface conditions on ship performance and previous work on propeller coatings for merchant ships was conducted. Theoretical calculations on the possible gains were then explored for a merchant ship propeller type using a propeller lifting surface analysis program. These showed that the significant losses in efficiency caused by blade roughening can be avoided by the application of a foul release coating with a surface finish equivalent to a new or well polished propeller

Drag, boundary-layer and roughness characteristics of marine surfaces coated with antifoulings

Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN048754 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

Simulation study to assess the effect of ship beam on the navigable flow conditions in Paris

Traversing the river Seine in Paris is challenging for inland vessels due to the density and diversity of local traffic that is encountered in a confined environment. The waterway authority, Voies navigables de France (VNF), commissioned a study to assess the relevance of the current regulations when vessels of varying types cross Paris. A first simulation study showed that regulations based on length only may be too restrictive for ships with smaller beams [1]. This paper presents additional simulations executed on a full mission bridge simulator with ships of reduced beam. The main bottlenecks happen at different locations depending on the ship’s beam and ships with smaller beam can sail at higher water levels than the ships considered in the first study. The maximum water levels for which safe passage is possible were determined for each ship. Finally, recommendations have been formulated, which were then discussed with VNF and stakeholders

Behaviour of ships approaching and leaving locks: Open model test data for validation purposes

A selection of model test results studying ship behaviour approaching and leaving locks has been madeavailable by the Knowledge Centre Manoeuvring in Shallow and Confined Water. They are described indetail in this document

Optimization of Tidal Windows for Deep-Drafted Vessels by Means of ProToel

The access policy to ports for deep-drafted ships making use of channels which are subject to waves, tides, currents, wind and other complicating factors can be based on either deterministic or probabilistic principles. ProToel is a calculation tool for determining tidal windows for marginal vessels arriving at or departing from ports located at the Belgian coast or in the Scheldt estuary. The paper provides an overview of possible criteria to be fulfilled for a vessel to have access to approach channels. The outlines of the software are described and applications for short-term decisions and long-term accessibility studies are discussed