The objective of SKIPRO 2001 has been to develop methods, tools and personnel with the aim of meeting increasingly strict accuracy and implementation time requirements for optimising and verifying vessel speed, power requirements and manoeuvrability.

SKIPRO 2001 has developed eight completely new numerical simulation programs in the fields of resistance, propulsion and manoeuvrability, with the result that we currently have access to highly modern, efficient and user-friendly simulation tools capable of dealing with virtually any problem in these fields. The range of programs includes software for manoeuvrability prediction and simulation (SIMAN), estimation of wave resistance (ShipX Waveres), wash estimates, empirical resistance prediction (EmPower), and the estimation of propeller noise and pressure pulses (ProPulse). We have also developed a hydrodynamic workbench called ShipX, which among other things features a completely new, highly advanced report generator for the analysis and presentation of the results of model trials.

An improved method for estimating vessel speed and required engine power on the basis of model trials has been developed, and the test equipment needed for performing such trials has been renewed.

As a result of SKIPRO 2001 we have recruited and trained four new young research staff, one of whom holds a doctorate. Three doctoral students and a post-doc have also received their training as part of the SKIPRO 2001 program.

SKIPRO 2001 has enables us to greatly strengthen and develop our relationships with two overseas universities: Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China and St. Petersburg University in Russia. We have contributed in various ways to a number of projects and MSc dissertations at NTNU. In the course of the programme, more than 50 projects and MSc theses have been based on SKIPRO 2001’s fields of activity.

Most of the projects in SKIPRO 2001 have been carried out in collaboration with industry, with the result that many Norwegian companies as well as a certain number of overseas companies have acquired new competence and, not least, new numerical tools, while MARINTEK has benefited from stronger relationships with important clients. This form of cooperation has also generated additional funding for SKIPRO projects. External funding in addition to funds from the Research Council of Norway has added up to about NOK 10 million, or around 33% of the programme’s total budget of MNOK 30.

Published February 21, 2005