Concept development and engineering
Ever since SSPA was founded in 1940, we have supported our customers with services and expertise within the hydrodynamic sphere. Over the years, the scope of services has increased and now covers most facets of maritime technology.
Thanks to the continuing and purposeful development of our competence and a wide network of partners/subcontractors, we can now offer a complete range of services within the field of Total Ship Systems Engineering (TSSE).
Design
Regarding the design of ship and marine applications, we have experience within the following fields:
- Hydrodynamics
- Speed and range predictions
- Hull design and materials
- Strength calculation, FE-Analyses and optimisation
- Propulsion and auxiliary systems
- Onboard systems, electrical, HVAC, hydraulic, piping
- Ship system surveillance and control
- Sensors, command- and control systems and weapons (Naval ships)
- Acoustics and vibrations
- Fire protection
- Damage control
- Stability (intact and damage)
- Vulnerability analysis and assessment
- Environmental issues
Systems engineering
A modern ship is a complex system and, when tackling a new design, a systematic approach is essential if you want to end up with a cost-efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly ship. Hence, there is a need for thorough Systems Engineering.
In our projects, we normally use the international Standard ISO/IEC 15288 Systems Engineering – System Life Cycle Processes, which we tailor to suit the ambition level in each project. The processes of current interest in the early life cycle stages in a typical ship design project include:
Project Management Processes
- Planning Process
- Assessment Process
- Control Process
- Decision Making Process
- Risk Management Process
- Configuration Management Process
Technical Processes
- Stakeholder Requirements Definition Process
- Requirements Analysis Process
- Architectural Design Process
- Implementation Process
- Integration Process
- Verification Process
- Validation Process
Air bubbler system for suppressing ice on inland ferry routes
Ice-free waterways and harbors can be desirable during a greater portion of the year than what might be possible on behalf of nature. SSPA has just finished a project for STA Road Ferries (Färjerederiet) for proposing and comparing different design alternatives and pipe routes for an air bubbler system intended for a ferry route.
Full size project for 1:12 scale prototype
During 2009–2010, SSPA designed and constructed a 1:12 scale tanker prototype for, and in close co-operation with, the Technical Department of Stena Rederi AB. On behalf of Stena, SSPA then conducted a series of tests on reducing hull resistance using air cavity technology.
Vulnerability reduction technologies for large maritime composite structures
The use of composite material to reduce the structural weight has earned an increase of importance to the maritime sector. A reduction in weight can lead to several synergy effects such as lower operational costs, improved stability properties and greater cargo capacity. On the other hand, composites are vulnerable to fire.
The SSPA shuttle ferry concept
In order to cope with rapid population growth in urban areas, overloaded roads/rails and the desire to turn former harbor and wharf areas into attractive residential districts, seaways could be used even more in the future as part of the public transport system. In Stockholm, for example, more public transport by sea is already high on the political agenda.