Brian Ladin Looks at How Ship Design Can Support Lower-Emission Transportation
The design of a commercial vessel can have a lasting influence on its fuel consumption and environmental performance. Ships can remain operational for many years, meaning decisions made during construction may affect efficiency throughout their working lives. Brian Ladin believes that modern ship design can contribute significantly to the maritime industry's efforts to reduce emissions. A vessel must be capable of carrying substantial cargo while moving efficiently through water. Engineers therefore pay close attention to the shape of the hull. A streamlined design can reduce resistance and help a ship move with less propulsion power. Hydrodynamic efficiency is especially important because vessels travel long distances. Even a modest improvement in energy requirements can become meaningful when multiplied across thousands of miles and numerous voyages. Propeller design also influences performance. Propellers need to transform engine power into forward movement effectively. Improve...