On an Integrated Framework for the Parametric Design and Optimization of Oil Tankers

Ship design is a particularly complex and time-consuming process, comprising a series of phases from concept to detail design. Ideally, the designer needs to deliver a design that complies with the operational and regulatory requirements, while at the same time being optimized with respect to one or more specified objectives. The aim of the present study is to describe an innovative design framework for the parametric modelling of large oil tankers, enabling the elaboration and assessment of numerous design alternatives in search of the optimum design. The hull form, internal layout, and 3D structural arrangement of each design alternative are generated automatically in NAPA® software. Suitable tools have been developed, assessing the ship’s hydrodynamic performance, structural integrity, compliance with regulatory requirements, and economic viability, facilitating the evaluation of large numbers of variants in a practically acceptable computing time. The developed parametric model has been linked with suitable optimization algorithms, enabling the systematic optimization of the design of large oil tankers, subject to user-specified operational requirements and constraints. Typical application results from the optimization of Suezmax oil tankers are presented and discussed.