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.
All test facilities at SSPA are designed for performing tests with large models, which have many advantages, given that scale effects are reduced and more reliable measurements can be performed. As a complement, methods for performing field (outdoor) model testing with fully equipped models have been developed at SSPA and can be used on a routine basis.
SSPA has, as part of maintaining a high quality in its services, applied for and been accepted as an Accredited Laboratory for performing resistance, self propulsion, and open water tests in the towing tank. Accreditation has been obtained from SWEDAC, the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment, and is audited annually. The accreditation means that the tests performed according to the accredited method have high standards as regards test procedures, the execution of tests, measurement quality and reliability. The accredited method will also serve as a benchmark for all tests performed at SSPA. The test procedures used are in accordance, as applicable, with the ITTC Recommended Procedures.
You will aslo find descriptions of some of the calculations and methods used at SSPA and how we work towards delivering the cost effective solutions that our clients around the world are looking for.
Towing tank
The towing tank has many applications, primarily concerning hull and propeller form optimisation for all kinds of ships or energy saving devices with respect to resistance/propulsion. A database containing over 8,000 ship hull forms provides the basis for the result analysis.
Cavitation tunnel
We have over 50 years of experience in cavitation testing. Our cavitation tunnel consist of three interchangeable measuring sections allowing high speed testing of propellers up to 23 m/s as well as large ship models of up to 10 meters in section number 3.
Maritime Dynamics Laboratory
The Maritime Dynamics Laboratory (MDL) is a versatile facility for the research and development of seakeeping and manoeuvring behaviour of ships and other structures.
Model manufacturing
We have facilities for designing, building and outfitting of models for all kinds of model tests. Our procedures for manufacturing and tests follows SSPA Quality System and ITTC Quality Manual.
Simulator
Simulations is an efficient tool for maritime infrastructure development projects. The output will directly support clients in their decisions of alternative layouts of ports, fairways and terminals. We have decades of experience and records supporting clients world wide.
Quality policy
To maintain the high quality of SSPA’s services in an objective way, we have applied for and been accepted as an Accredited Laboratory for a specific testing method. The accreditation has been obtained from SWEDAC, the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment.