Technical design methodologies for advanced fast ferries

The objective of the work has been to establish a technical design methodology for high speed ferries. The research programme comprised the development of a technical design framework for concept design of high speed ferries. The approach has been to extend and build upon an existing research programme. In particular, this has entailed a fundamental examination and update of the section of the methodology dealing with estimation of dimensions, together with the establishment and manipulation of an effective mass estimate. Improvements and updating in the cost estimate have also been carried out. Overall, the technical design framework has been established. It uses a flexible modular structure, allowing the quick generation of feasible designs. One of its major characteristics is that it uses a novel area based approach for the generation of a set of main dimensions, based on carrying capacities. As high speed ferries are a relatively recent development, there is a lack of available systematic data and relevant techniques. Most major calculations are therefore performed using specialised data and tools created in the research programme, together with further modifications and updates. This allows the full investigation of the two most common hull configurations, namely monohulls and catamarans, which currently make up the majority of fast ferries.