Preliminary Design Considerations for a Ship to Mine Polymetallic Nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone

摘要

In this paper we present some initial considerations which can be usedrnin developing the design of a polymetallic nodules mining ship. Thernrequirements for cargo volume and deadweight are studied on the basisrnof assumed production output. A novel concept for cargo discharging torna shuttle transport ship by self-unloading is proposed. The presentedrnanalysis of cargo characteristics showed that there are several issuesrnwhich affect the subdivision of the ship and the approach to thernproblem of arranging its structure. The first proposal of a general shiprnlayout is given, including ship subdivision, hull shape, hydrostaticsrncalculations and a functional study.