All vessel users have a responsibility to be mindful of the fuel they are burning, and of harmful emissions resulting from burning such fuel. Compared with traditional hull form technology, a high-speed hull with hull step technology offers the opportunity to reduce propulsive power for the same vessel speed. As a naval architect, the company and/or individual designing the boat has a responsibility to carefully consider the vessel design strategy. The vessel must fulfil the vessel users' requirements and be designed with hull form and propulsion efficiency in mind from the outset. The vessel should be sustainable, well thought out and be able to be recycled at end of life. It is therefore important to consider all aspects of the vessel design and build, including the primary materials used for construction. Aluminium alloy could be a suitable candidate to ensure sustainability, however there are a number of considerations which must be taken into account to ensure the use of aluminium is appropriate and effective. This paper explores the key design process points the naval architect could consider when designing and developing a stepped hull form constructed from marine grade aluminium alloy.
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