Specific characteristic of Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS), compared to other types of ships, is that they are more likely to experience the hydroelastic type of structural response called springing and whipping. This is mainly due to their large dimensions, very large operational speed, and large bow flare. The evaluation of the hydroelastic response and its inclusion into the overall design procedure is significantly more complex problem than the calculation of quasi-static structural response. Classification rules are at the margin of applicability for ULCS and direct calculation is required. In this paper a review of methodology and current status of different methods and tools for structural design of ULCS is presented. Modelling of ship structure as a beam and 3D FE model for preliminary design stage and final checking is mentioned. Different fluid-structure interaction issues are considered, i.e. steady-state and dynamic response, combined with linear and nonlinear wave load. Also, development of numerical methods and software, utilizing model tests and full scale measurements, is presented. Conclusion is directed to the application of the results and the remained open questions
