The economic design of bulk cargo carriers

Gilfillan, Allan W (1967) The economic design of bulk cargo carriers. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

During the past few years the computer has gradually been accepted as an essential tool for the naval architect. A large number of programs have been developed to perform every task in the design office. The naval architect is now able to embark upon investigations which previously required a prohibitive amount of computation. Such an investigation is one in which the computer is used to derive the most favourable combination of length, beam and draft for any design based on the owner's basic requirements of deadweight speed and range of operation. The aim of this thesis and it's associated computer programs is to assist the naval architect to produce a more profitable design, for a bulk cargo carrier, A whole series of suitable designs is synthesised by the computer and the economic performance of each is deduced and assessed by comparison with others. The criterion for comparing the series of designs is obtained by assessing the minimum cost per ton of cargo deadweight. Requirements other than the minimum cost affect the choice of design. Account must be taken of the operational performance in cargo handling, the loss of speed etc. Unfortunately, no easy relationships have been derived to take these factors into account, and the program system must content itself with producing a large number of designs which are technically acceptable. In order to obtain the large number of acceptable designs, the program derives a series of designs by methodically varying the three parameters, Length/ Beam and Beam/Draft Ratio and the Block Coefficient. The features of each design are derived using well known relationships supplemented by formulae based on detailed analysis of existing bulk carrier designs. The capital cost of each design is estimated using the "Motor Ship Magazine" Bulk Carrier as a basis. The fixed cost items such as crew and insurance are obtained and expressed as a cost per day. A typical route on which the design is expected to operate is simulated as a series of activities and the performance of each design on the route is assessed. The program has been run to carry out a detailed design study for a typical bulk/ bulk carrier route. The route chosen was: East Coast U.S.A. to Japan with coal. Japan to Chile under ballast. Chile to East Coast U.S.A. with iron ore. Four series were produced to investigate the effect of changes in deadweight, speed, block coefficient and length. Graphs showing the results of these variations are given. The background to the bulk cargo trade is described as are the principal features of bulk carrier design. The uses and possible extensions to the program system are discussed.

• Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Naval engineering
• Date of Award: 1967
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1967-73691
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73691