On the effect of forebody optimisation of fishing vessels

In a recent study, forebody optimisation of a fishing vessel was treated to show the usefulness of a modest but practical combination of a computational hull resistance/flow analysis and optimisation technique. The techniques were based on the Dawson's algorithm and quadratic programming supported by thin-ship theory and were able to develop optimal hull forms for lower wave resistance as well as to predict the order of merits correctly. Towing tank measurements accompanied the computational work to test the predictability of the computational analysis and optimisation techniques. The findings implied that severe resistance penalties were generated from the vessel's shoulders and bluff bow, common on today's fishing boats. In consultation with the designer and operator a new refined forebody and bulbous bow was proposed for an existing vessel. A 1/30^th scale model was constructed and tested, the resistance tests indicated a dramatic performance improvement. Encouraged by this the owner of the vessel commissioned a refit to replacing the forebody and stern sections, on completion of the sea trials the vessel gave significant savings in power in line with predictions.