Trim and Draft Control Capability of the Variable Buoyancy Ship

摘要

The Variable Buoyancy Ship concept has been developed to address the problem of the introduction of nonindigenous aquatic species (NIS) into coastal waters. While this ship design concept essentially eliminates the transport of NIS across the globe, it presents special problems for operators with respect to their control of trim and draft. An investigation was, therefore, undertaken to assess this capability and ensure that adequate capability would be provided. To better visualize this issue, the equilibrium polygon used in early submarine design has been adapted to provide an effective way to characterize the trim and draft control capability of surface vessels. The results of this investigation and resulting design concept modifications are presented.