Influence of the Hull Shape on the Energy Demand of a Small Inland Vessel with Hybrid Propulsion

Abstract

Recently, there has been a significant development of ecological propulsion systems, which is in line with the general trend of environmentally friendly “green shipping”. The main aim is to build a safe, low-energy passenger ship with a highly efficient, emission-free propulsion system. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. The article presents the main problems encountered by designers and constructors already at the stage of designing the unit. The research conducted made it possible to create a design with an effective shape of the hull, with the prospect of an energy-efficient and safe propulsion system with good manoeuvrability. The scope of the research included towing tank tests, recalculation of the results in full-scale objects and a prediction of the energy demand of the propulsion system. The results obtained were compared to indicate power supply variants depending on the hull shape.

Keywords

• green shipping
• hybrid
• energy management
• propulsion
• hull shape optimisation