Strategies for coping with slow-steaming, new paper
The trend of reduced sailing speed, or slow-steaming, presents shippers with new, complex challenges. SSPA has together with Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg studied how the Swedish industry has met and managed these challenges. The study has recently been published in Journal of Shipping and Trade.
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.
Modern keel types for sailing yachts
Have you ever reflected over the different types of bulbs chosen for yacht keels? Today there is no general agreement on which bulb type is preferred for different types of yachts and very little scientific investigation has been done in this area. SSPA and Chalmers have carried out a study, where the hydrodynamic performance of different types of bulb keels were systematically evaluated. A paper is published in the International Journal of Small Craft Technology (IJSCT), a RINA Publication.
Safer traffic in Kattegat and Skagerrak
Sweden and Denmark has jointly developed actions to improve the shipping traffic in Kattegat and Skagerrak to be safer and more environmentally friendly. SSPA has supported the Swedish Transport Agency with comparative consequence analyses for the proposed new routing systems. The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has now approved the proposal for new ship routes that will be in place from July 1, 2020.
Sustainable Marine Methanol solutions for smaller vessels
SUMMETH, the Sustainable Marine Methanol project, which investigated and advanced development of methanol engine and fuel solutions for smaller ships, has recently been completed and the final reports are now available. SSPA was project manager and contributed with environmental assessments, feasibility of sustainable methanol supply, and safety assessment.
Predicting underwater-radiated noise, new paper
SSPA has been involved in numerous acoustic-related projects and continually developing various predictive tools, making them available to assist customers in solving problems related to underwater-radiated noise (URN). SSPAs experts are contributing with more research in this area. In August, a new paper will be published in the well-known journal Ocean Engineering.
To combine passion for sports with expertise in science and engineering
Modern Finn dinghies are flexible in sections of the hull. The subjective perception of the sailors is that this makes the boat faster in waves. In a research project together with Chalmers Sports & Technology and Max Salminen, a two-time Swedish Olympic sailor and current World Champion, SSPA will attempt to verify this.
Assessing costs, a 25-year perspective
Renewing Sweden’s icebreaker fleet is a major infrastructure initiative. The existing icebreakers have been in operation for almost 50 years and the new icebreakers are expected to have a similar lifetime. Operational costs for such a long lifetime have a huge impact on the vessels’ total life cycle costs. Based on a number of investigations of key features, SSPA has conducted life cycle cost assessment of a new Swedish icebreaker.
Strategic research plan for hydrodynamics
Knowledge-based organisations like SSPA constantly have to adapt to a changing world. Our strategic research plans help us to set the direction and to break down the challenges into manageable goals. Structured research and development is a prerequisite for continuing to support our clients and partners with leading edge, innovative and sustainable maritime solutions.
Ongoing hydrodynamic research projects
At SSPA, our specialists are involved in research and development in parallel with their commercial commitments. In this way, there is a direct link between R&D and commercial application. Four of our hydrodynamic experts will here present examples of ongoing hydrodynamic research projects intended to improve today’s methods in different areas.
Maritime spatial planning and ship routeing systems
The high and rapidly increasing demand for maritime space for different purposes, as well as the multiple pressures on coastal resources, requires an integrated planning and management approach. Rerouteing of shipping lanes and the introduction of new routing systems may be needed to ensure high maritime safety and sustainable co-existence of various marine activities. SSPA’s toolbox and experience assist planning and maritime authorities to prepare sustainable and efficient plans.
The Nobel Prize and its implication for mariners’ health and performance
In 2017, the Nobel Prize in physiology/ medicine was awarded to the discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm, mostly affected by light, controls our alertness and sleepiness during the day. We can all benefit from knowing how to use light to maximise our performance, but it is even more important for mariners who are working and living 24 hours a day in a harsh environment.
Advanced maritime operations in civil engineering
The railway bridges in Stockholm city centre are to be replaced. Needless to say, this is a very sensitive operation and the STA wanted to acquire as much information about the problem as possible, as early as possible. One way of managing the impact of the operation on traffic was to transport and install the bridges over water. SSPA used its know-how of maritime operations and state-of-the-art simulation tool.
fw – the unknown factor
Legislation on the EEDI requires the determination of a “weather factor” – fw – reflecting the percentage of its calm-water speed that a ship can maintain in Beaufort 6 and corresponding waves. The higher the fw value, the smaller the speed loss and the better the ship will perform in a seaway. But how do we determine this unknown fw factor, and how do we strike a balance between accuracy and costs? As a member of ITTC, SSPA is actively involved in developing guidelines.
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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.