LEAST COST SHIP CHARACTERISTICS BY COMPUTER TECHNIQUES

This paper presents a systematic procedure utilizing computer techniques to determine the optimum combination of Length, Beam, Draft, Block Coefficient and Depth to satisfy a predetermined 'least cost' criterion for a dry cargo ship, which will meet a given set of Owner's Requirements for Speed, Fueling Range, Stowage Factor and Cargo Deadweight. The 'least cost' ship is obtained from a family of ships resulting from the permutation of four values each of five basic design variables. Selection of the 'least cost' ship is dependent upon the computer programming of standard preliminary design processes. The procedure is so designed that only those ships consistent with good design practice and existing regulatory requirements will be considered. The methodology, examples of actual applications and analysis of results obtained, are the principle features of the paper. The listing of the IBM 7090 program, developed for the determination of the 'least cost' ship, is included.