Two roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry disasters, the Herald of Free Enterprise in 1987 and the more recent Estonia in 1994 have highlighted the vulnerability of this type of vessel to capsizing after water enters the vehicle deck. The objective of this research project was to establish a method of upgrading the survivability characteristics of the AMHS Ro-Ro ferries that could be accomplished in the most economical way. Based on prior analytical studies on damaged survivability of an AMHS ferry, it was determined that the installation of structural sponsons was the most practical method to improve vessel suvivability. A bulbous bow was also added to counter the additional hull resistance of the sponsons. The project was divided into two phases by fiscal year: Phase I (FY 96) and Phase II (FY 97). In Phase I, the hull form for the sponsons and bulbous bow were developed and the modified hull's resistance calculated. Model tests were conducted on both the hull resistance and survivability characteristics of the modified hullform. In phase II, a seakeepig analysis to determine the new hullform's motions in a seaway was conducted to determine safety, working conditions, and passenger comfort. Hull fairing around the sponsons and bulbous bow modifications was accomplsiehd to optimize the hullform. Additional analysis of the hullform was conducted to validate the effectiveness of these modifications. Structural development (for construction) for the sponsons and bulbous bow, weight change, and construction cost estimates were determined. Finally, using the results from the model testing, Survivability Standards (Righting Energy Standards) were developed.
Survivability Upgrading of Ro-Ro Passenger Ferries
1997
54 pages
Report
No indication
English
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