Manoeuvring characteristics of full-bodied ships with POD propulsion

摘要

In 2003 the research programme was established at the Foundation for Safety of Navigation and Environment Protection aimed at investigation of manoeuvring characteristics of POD-propelled ships. A large model of the gas carrier fitted with single or double POD propellers was constructed and tested in Ship Manoeuvrability Research and Training Centre at Silm lake near Hawa. The paper presents results of manoeuvrability tests comprising standard manoeuvring characteristics and ship handling test in changing external conditions. The initial tests revealed that with exceptionally good turning characteristics there are difficulties encountered with course-keeping characteristics and with safe handling. In order to find optimum solution several variations of the stern and POD configuration were tested. The results of the tests are reported in the paper in the form of standard manoeuvring characteristics (turning, course keeping, yaw checking) versus stern arrangement. Recommendations are given regarding design of full-bodied ships fitted with POD propellers.