A Lighweighting Methodology Of A Trimaran High Speed Cruise Logistics Ferry (CLF)

The proposed paper researches the opportunities for lightweighting of a high speed multi-purpose trimaran ferry, which currently complies with Lloyds Register regulations. The purpose of the study is to generate a lighter structure in order to improve fuel economy and reduce running costs of such vessels, as well as clarifying whether Lloyds Register rules over-engineer such ship design architectures. The methodology is using a newly generated computer algorithm of a wave which has been applied on the vessel, in sagging and hogging, on a full three dimensional finite element model of the ferry. Using these wave loadings, the study compares the level of over-engineering of the vessel and proposes a lightweighting process which will fulfil vessel fatigue loads present during its service. The research has found areas of the ship where mass could be reduced and still meet fatigue life of the material, leading to a total mass reduction of 96 tonnes.