Wave-induced loads and motions in operation
Conference/JournalMARIN Report 146
Date20 Jan 2026
A double-ended ferry is of course designed to save time when manoeuvring and berthing, which in turn leads to a reduction in fuel consumption, and this is especially important when sailing on busy, relatively short routes.
Traditionally, from a hydrodynamic point of view, the optimisation of the hull lines and alignment of the appendages have played a vital role when designing double-ended ferries in order to reduce the ship’s resistance and guarantee good course-keeping ability. This is because most of these vessels are designed to operate in somewhat restricted waters.
However, the new double-ended P&O ferries are operating in the English Channel and here, significant wave heights of up to 6 m can be expected. This makes it necessary to evaluate other aspects that are usually not addressed in detail.
Traditionally, from a hydrodynamic point of view, the optimisation of the hull lines and alignment of the appendages have played a vital role when designing double-ended ferries in order to reduce the ship’s resistance and guarantee good course-keeping ability. This is because most of these vessels are designed to operate in somewhat restricted waters.
However, the new double-ended P&O ferries are operating in the English Channel and here, significant wave heights of up to 6 m can be expected. This makes it necessary to evaluate other aspects that are usually not addressed in detail.
Contact
Julio Polo
senior project manager
Slamming loads
One of these aspects is wave-induced slamming, whereby waves impact the ship’s hull, or a previously emerged part of the hull re-enters the water surface. Two types were considered: slamming loads on the hull, (these may compromise the structural integrity of the hull and cause vibrations that might cause discomfort to the passengers and crew), and slamming loads on the propulsion system that may damage the pods, especially those mounted at the “bow”. For this reason, seakeeping model tests were performed at MARIN with a complex, four-segment model equipped with a flexible backbone and four pods.
Sailing in rough conditions.