A Study on the Hull Form Development and Numerical Analysis-Based Ice Capability Estimation Method for Arctic Container Ship

Abstract The main topics discussed in this paper are icebreaking capacity estimation methods and an introduction to the hull form development of Arctic container ships. The first topic is the estimation of ice resistance and pod propeller net thrust curve based on numerical analysis, the second topic is a discussion of the key performance of the 8K Arctic container ship from a hydrodynamic point of view and its relationship with hull form shape characteristics. As is well known, a precise and scientific approach for ice resistance and propeller net thrust estimation is essential to obtain accurate icebreaking capacity prediction. In this paper, the prediction of pod propeller overload curve through a numerical analysis approach and the ice resistance by Simulator for Arctic Marine Structure were conducted, and these estimation results were evaluated by comparing with the model test results. The accuracy of ice resistance prediction based on the Simulator of Arctic Marine Structures (SAMS) performed in this paper showed an error rate of 10% in the ahead going condition, while in the astern going condition, the error rate was found to be about 40% and 10% in the high and low speed regions, respectively. The reason for the somewhat larger deviation between the model and experimental results in the low-speed case is that the SAMS-based ice resistance analysis does not take into account the pod thrusters. For this reason, the ice-hull interaction is simulated differently from the actual ice behavior, and it is recognized that this effect is more significant at low speeds than at high speeds. On the other hand, the results of the overload curve estimation of the pod propeller through the numerical analysis method showed high accuracy within 4% compared to the model experimental results in both the ahead and astern going conditions. This paper also describes important considerations for designing Arctic vessels, especially from a hydrodynamic performance perspective. For example, balanced open and ice performance in the Arctic, maneuvering ability in ice conditions, and pod propeller cavitation problems are discussed and introduced the application of twin plates, which are relatively free from the risk of pod propeller cavitation. Based on these research activities and experiences, Samsung 8K-class Arctic container ship was developed, and icebreaking performance of Arc7 ice-class and open sea performance of more than 20.0 knots were validated through the model testing in 2024.