Research project Connecting vessels to shore side electricity in Sweden
Using shore side electricity in ports is a relevant current issue in the transition to fossil-free shipping. Yet, the degree of electrification in Swedish ports is increasing slowly and at present few Swedish vessels make use of this solution. This research project takes its starting point in the industry needs and aims to strengthen the driving forces to realize new business concepts.
Model-scale underwater radiated noise measurements, 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). SSPA's experts is contributing with more research in this area. The well-known journal Ocean Engineering has published a new paper in the November issue.
Oceanbird model tested in waves
Recently, the research project wPCC (wind Powered Car Carrier) tested the concept Oceanbird with focus on the ship’s ability to manoeuvre and sail in waves. SSPA’s experts performed extensive model tests with a five-metre long ship model in the Maritime Dynamics Laboratory. Since this was the first time a wind powered ship of this kind was tested in the basin, our experts had to develop the test techniques as well.
Noise measurements of a cavitating propeller in different facilities, new paper
To better understand the accuracy and reliability of underwater radiated noise measurements, a test programme to compare results among several institutes was organized by the Hydro Testing Forum, where SSPA is a partner. The well-known journal Ocean Engineering has published a new paper in the October issue.
Master thesis on wind propulsion
Currently, much research is focused on the possibility to use wind propulsion to reduce the green-house gas emissions from shipping. Two master thesis projects in this field are jointly supervised by both Chalmers and SSPA. “Investigation on a harvesting propeller for wind propelled vessels” and “CFD investigation of wind powered ships under extreme condition”.
Master thesis projects
Together with Chalmers University Technology, SSPA announces two proposals of Master thesis projects. The current thesis projects that are available are “High-performance sailing: Fluid Structure Interaction of hydrofoils” and “CFD modelling of floating object’s motion decay”. The projects start in January 2021.
Introducing Oceanbird
Oceanbird was recently presented and received worldwide attention. Together, Wallenius Marine, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and SSPA contribute with considerable resources and expertise to create new knowledge and understandings of vessel design incorporating wind propulsion. The research project is called wPCC (wind Powered Car Carrier), and in September the collaboration presented Oceanbird. Wallenius Marine, owns the concept and SSPA and KTH are research partners.
Customer highlight – Model testing and CFD go hand in hand
When Ulstein designed the newly delivered National Geographic Endurance from Lindblad expeditions, they chose SSPA as the hydrodynamic testing partner. Ulstein ran an extensive model test program in calm water and waves which supported their advanced CFD simulations of this state-of-the art-vessel. Ulstein has now revealed great pictures from the development phase.
SEAMAN Online – taking availability and flexibility to the next level
The phrase “Repetitio est mater studiorum” or “Repetition is th e mother of learning” was the starting point for the SEAMAN Online™ development. Requested by clients who wanted to provide their staff or students with unlimited access to a manoeuvring training environment, SEAMAN Online is the world’s first web-based professional maritime manoeuvring training simulator.
SSPA supports the Swedish Navy with technical expertise and ILS management
In a project to modernize and rebuild patrol crafts to underwater surveillance crafts, SSPA is supporting FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) with technical expertise and ILS management. The goal of the project is to boost the littoral ASW (Anti-submarine warfare) capabilities of the Swedish Navy. Because of a very tight schedule, the rebuild is carried out at three different shipyards simultaneously.
FASTWATER project launched
SSPA is part of a consortium of Europe’s maritime research and technology leaders that has launched the project FASTWATER. SSPA’s extensive experience with alternative fuels, including methanol, and design and development of ships with a focus on energy efficiency, will be utilised to help ensure the success of the project. The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.
Collaboration to develop knowledge in ship hull structural dynamics
SSPA has developed techniques for analysis of ship hull structural dynamics over several years, i.e. analysis of the structural response due to wind and wave loads. In an article published in the International publication Ship & Offshore, issue 4/2020, our experts describe how we decided to share this information and join forces with our partners Stena, Chalmers University of Technology and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) to develop knowledge.
Emission-free vessel concept for inland waterways developed
Today there are no inland waterway vessels operating in Sweden. Current limited traffic consists only of IMO vessels. Using the inland waterways to a larger extent would create positive benefits according to authorities, goods owners, shipping companies, ports and freight forwarders. SSPA’s experts and researchers studied this in one of the research projects and has now developed a business concept with an emission free vessel. Read the full report: Battery electric inland waterway vessel.
Virtual customer attendance for Towing Tank tests
Almost all our customers have travel restrictions due to the Corona pandemic and are not able to attend the model tests on site at SSPA as usual. Our experts investigated the possibilities of a remote participation for our clients to be involved in the model testing without being physically present. SSPA has implemented a live video streaming service enabling our customers to participate while we are performing the Towing Tank tests from wherever they are in real time.
Determining the EEDI “minimum propulsion power”, new paper
Recently, SSPA’s experts in seakeeping and ship performance in waves presented a new paper at an international conference, held by RINA (the Royal Institution of Naval Architects). A concise version of the presented paper and the results is available for download. SSPA used the KVLCC2 tanker as a case study and followed the IMO guideline step by step to find the minimum engine size. Our experts used a combination of CFD and model tests.
S1000D for the Swedish Armed Forces’ Amphibious Battallion
Accurate, complete, boat-specific and easily accessible technical information for vessels and boats not only enhances safety and accessibility – it also reduces the total lifecycle cost. This case study describes SSPA's S1000D project for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration from start to finish, including pre-history, challenges, project lessons and visions for the future.
First model tests, wPCC
Recently, research project wPCC (wind Powered Car Carrier) entered a new phase when the new concept was tested at SSPA. The project aims to develop a sailing vessel that can transport about 7,000 cars across the Atlantic, resulting in a reduction of energy consumption by approximately 90 percent. The research project is led by Wallenius Marine, with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and SSPA as partners.
Heading towards 2030
SSPA’s vision is to be recognised as the most rewarding partner for innovative and sustainable maritime development. We want to contribute with new solutions to be able to achieve a long-term sustainable and environmentally friendly society for both those of us who live here today and for future generations.
GreenPilot – guiding the way to low-emission and fossil-free operation of small vessels
The project converted a pilot boat to operate on renewable methanol fuel, demonstrating the improvements to environmental and operational performance that can be achieved for this fuel.
The use and usefulness of AIS data
AIS data offers the possibility to understand historical and typical ship behaviour, as well as generate real-time decision-support solutions for mariners and shore-based operators. SSPA has engaged in various research and development projects using AIS data as their basis, and even offers important and novel commercial tools that function via algorithmic analyses of historical and real-time AIS data.
Tailored model tests for hull structural dynamics
SSPA has developed techniques for analysis of ship hull structural dynamics over several years. We decided to share this information and join forces with several partners to develop knowledge, and a new research project was formed and led by SSPA. This resulted in an accurate model testing technique, know-how to carry out this kind of model testing and insights into possibilities to develop further important techniques to support this important area of technology.
A renaissance of wind-powered ships
Recently, wind power has resurfaced as an option worth taking seriously and suppliers of innovative wind technology are appearing on the market. But which ones of the numerous solutions are most suitable? To what extent will they really reduce carbon emissions? SSPA has developed efficient prediction tools for both wind-driven and wind-assisted ships in order to support the development of more sustainable maritime transports.
Oil spill risks in Arctic waters
The sensitivity of Arctic areas, in combination with its remoteness and the particularly harsh conditions in cold climates, increases the importance of adequate methodology for estimation of the risk. An oil spill risk assessment forms an important link in the chain of prevention, detection, control and mitigation of spills. SSPA has developed a method to provide answers to the questions; where, how often, what type of oil and the size of t he oil spills that may be expected.
Research project IWTS 2.0
Inland waterway transport offers relatively slow, cheap, climate friendly hinterland transport alternatives for commodities transported in large quantities or bulk. Many waterways in Europe remain widely un-/underused in the past decades. By piloting eight small waterway modal shifts, the project will showcase proven concepts that can be adopted by the market.
Research project wPCC
In the research project wPCC (wind Powered Car Carrier) a wind-powered vessel will be developed, from concept to a technical and financially viable design ready to be built within 3-5 years. This project aims to pave the way for a paradigm shift in maritime transport by demonstrating that this new transport concept is possible even in the near future. We do not necessarily need to wait until 2050 to reach IMO's goal of 50% reduction of greenhouse gases.
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.
Research project WASP
Decarbonisation of shipping is one of the greatest maritime challenge and the demand for low carbon solutions is growing. In the research project Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) we will investigate how wind solutions can be more commercially attractive for the future in the North Sea region. The WASP project can help to accelerate the transition and to highlight the wind-assisting propulsion potential.
Research project Value2Sea
Since modal shift can help reduce congestion and emissions in cities, the Value2Sea project develops and shares knowledge regarding logistics solutions to support modal shift, such as dry port operations and use of waterways. The use of new technologies can reduce barriers for shifting goods from road to sea, by increasing efficiency of maritime transport chains.
Quality management
SSPA’s management system ensures high technical quality and high efficiency in the execution of projects. It is used on a daily basis by all employees at SSPA and is continuously improved through a web based reporting and follow up system. The management system at SSPA is certified in compliance with SS-EN ISO 9001. Our laboratory are accredited according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025.
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.