34m Trawler Optimisation: CFD and Towing Tank

The Wolfson Unit have recently assisted Macduff Shipyards with the optimisation of a proposed 34m stern trawler hull form. The design brief to Macduff was to improve on the fuel efficiency and seakeeping characteristics of the owner’s existing vessel.

With the aid of the University’s Iridis 5 supercomputer, the Unit conducted a comprehensive CFD programme to determine the calm water resistance of the existing and proposed design, and how best to refine the lines to improve fuel efficiency. A 1:20 scale model of an evolved hull form was subsequently tank tested in calm water and irregular head seas, which represented the severe seastates encountered off the West Coast of Scotland and into the Atlantic (the intended areas of operation of the vessel). A flow visualization exercise was also conducted in the towing tank to enable alignment of the bilge keels with local flow lines and, therefore, improve fuel efficiency further.

The vessel was launched on 11th November, 2019 (photo credit: Macduff Shipyards Limited).

For more information on our range of Towing Tank Testing services, please see this page.