Final Experimental Results of Full Scale Fin/Rudder Roll Stabilisation Sea Trials

Abstract The consequences of roll motions in ship operations can seriously degrade the performance of mechanical and personnel effectiveness. In order to alleviate roll motions many ships are equipped with fin stabilisers. Rudders can also generate roll motions which can be harnessed to function in congress with the fins to accrue enhanced levels of stabilisation. However, in existing ships their contribution to roll stabilisation, without extensive modification to the rudder assembly and power plant, has never been fully realised on account of their limited slew rates. This paper reports on the final phase of full-scale sea trials conducted utilising the existing rudders and fins on board a frigate size warship where various control strategies were employed.