AIS in maritime research – new paper
A new research article is published in the journal Marine Policy. This paper provides an overview of how Automatic Identification System (AIS) can be used in different areas of maritime research. The researchers have identified and presents ten different research areas in which AIS is used today. In the future they propose making use of AIS data also in other research fields. Many stakeholders can benefit from the research in which AIS data is used.
Challenging applications in marine engineering
Marine 2019 was recently hosted by Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. This conference is a meeting place for researchers developing computational methods and scientists and engineers focusing on challenging applications in marine engineering. Researchers from SSPA, together with some of our research partners, presented interesting papers.
Paper awarded by RINA
The paper “Comparison of modern keel types for sail boats” was published in late 2017. The study systematically evaluated the hydrodynamic performance of different types of bulb keels. Recently, the paper was awarded with two prizes at the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) annual meeting. The Institution’s Medal of Distinction and the Austin Farrar Prize.
Workshop - the role of transport buyers
Recently transport buyers, shipping companies, forwarders and researchers attended a workshop in Sweden to discuss barriers and opportunities for shifting goods from road transport to short sea shipping within Europe, and also environmental performance of sea transport. The workshop was organised by SSPA and partners as part of a research study.
Route optimisation based on AIS tracks in the Baltic Sea
We present the results of taking stored AIS tracks and optimising their route geometry as well as their speed to minimise fuel consumption, i.e. to minimise the shallow water resistance experienced by each ship. The results show key changes in traffic patterns, specifically fairway shortcuts that could be taken if there are no safety concerns.
Skin Friction database for the maritime sector
We have completed a research project with the aim to gain increased knowledge of the effect a rough surface has on skin friction. This project has also resulted in an interactive tool that can be used to estimate fuel consumption without requiring background knowledge in hydrodynamics. This tool will hopefully contribute to better surface treatment of vessels, that in the end can reduce costs and emission of greenhouse gases.
Implementing S1000D for Swedish military assault and support crafts
How do you continuously manage technical publications for a large fleet of military assault and support crafts? You do this by implementing S1000D, the International Specification for Technical Publications. SSPA supports the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in several projects with information analysis, data conversion, restructuring, content revisions, and quality assurance.
Defining normal ship behaviour and safety distance to other ships in open waters
To assess how ship domains vary under different geographical settings and in different types of meetings, SSPA performed a case study. Our researchers studied over 600,000 ship encounters at 36 locations around the Swedish coast. The conclusion is that the ship domain has the shape of an ellipse with half axes radii of 0.9 and 0.45 nautical miles in open waters. In contrast to previous research, it has also been discovered that the ship domain is unrelated to the length of the ship.
Thorough model testing required to make cruising in tough environments sustainable
A state-of-the art-vessel is Ulstein’s new exploration cruise vessel design. SSPA was chosen as the hydrodynamic testing partner, which included traditional calm-water towing tank tests and tests in our seakeeping basin. Extensive CFD simulations were performed. An important part of testing was to correlate these calculations with the model tests. Together, we developed a testing programme to assess the behaviour of the vessel in the most typical operating conditions.
Logistical consequences of the Gothenburg container port conflict
During the last few years, companies exporting and importing goods have experienced severe difficulties with goods going through the container terminal at the port of Gothenburg. As a consequence, goods have been delayed and rerouted. As part of a research project, SSPA researchers have mapped the logistical consequences for various actors in the supply chain as well as what they have done to mitigate these effects.
Manoeuvring and seakeeping simulations, and the importance of high-quality data
Simulations are an efficient tool for gaining valuable insights for decision-making. To perform high-quality ship simulations, high-quality input data is required. Without good input data, the output from the simulations will not be a reliable source of support for decision-making. Thanks to SSPA’s test facilities, and the development and use of CFD, we have access to extremely good data which supports the simulation models in the SEAMAN Simulation toolbox.
CFD/EFD Combined methods
SSPA leads the ITTC Specialist Committee on Combined CFD/EFD Methods. The purpose of the committee is to initiate and support the process of introducing combined CFD/EFD methods in ITTC’s procedures. By using the best combination, rather than viewing them as competing methods, we can deliver even better predictions. To facilitate the introduction in our community, the Committee has identified several research areas which need to be addressed.
Hull air lubrication: future and challenges
The goal of reducing fuel consumption, enforced by international regulations and high fuel costs, is motivating ship designers to investigate revolutionary ideas or re-visit old techniques and apply them using new technologies. Hull line optimisation and propulsion system improvements are common practice for achieving this goal, but what if we can eliminate resistance (at least partially) at its source.
Research project HyMethShip
The aim of the research project HyMethShip is to drastically reduce emissions and improve the energy efficiency of waterborne transport at the same time. The project will develop and test a system for marine propulsion that is capable of reducing CO2 emissions by more than 97%, using renewable methanol as the energy carrier and implementing pre-combustion carbon capture. The system will be demonstrated onshore at full scale.
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Our test facilities
Physical model testing will continue to be an important tool in the process of developing ships and assessing their performance. SSPA has the capability to perform most kinds of model testing in its facilities: the towing tank, the large cavitation tunnel, the seakeeping and manoeuvring basin and combine with computer tests.