Waves from Propulsion Systems of Fast Ferries

Søren Haugsted Taatø, Christian Aage, Michael M. Arnskov

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Waves from fast ferries have become an environmental problem of growing concern to the public. Fast ferries produce not only higher waves than conventional ships but also fundamentally different wave systems when they sail at supercritical speeds. Hitherto, ship waves have been considered as being generated by the ship hulls alone. Whereas this assumption may be reasonable for conventional ships with large hulls and limited propulsive power, the situation is different for fast ferries with their smaller hulls and very large installed power. A simple theoretical model and a series of model tests on a monohull fast ferry seem to indicate that a substantial part of the wave-making can be directly attributed to the propulsion system itself. Thus, two wave systems are created with different phases, but with similar frequency contents, which means that they merge into one system behind the ship, very similar to that of the hull alone, but with higher wave amplitudes. Conventional propellers will cause increased wave heights of about 10%, whereas water jets will cause increased wave heights of 20-40% as compared to those of the naked monohull.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication14th Fast Ferry International Conference. Conference Papers
    Place of PublicationSayers Lane, Tenterden
    PublisherFast Ferry International Ltd.
    Publication date1998
    Publication statusPublished - 1998
    Event14th Fast Ferry International Conference - Copenhagen, Denmark
    Duration: 24 Feb 199826 Feb 1998
    Conference number: 14

    Conference

    Conference14th Fast Ferry International Conference
    Number14
    Country/TerritoryDenmark
    CityCopenhagen
    Period24/02/199826/02/1998

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