Designing efficient navy vessels requires precise hydrodynamic analysis. When the Spanish Guardia Civil commissioned the new ocean patrol vessel “Duque de Ahumada”, their goal was clear: reduce fuel consumption and improve endurance.
VICUSdt led the patrol vessel design process using advanced CFD simulations and hydrodynamic optimization tools. The project was built by Astilleros Armón Vigo, the goal was clear: achieve a highly efficient, seaworthy and modern platform with reduced fuel consumption and improved propulsion performance.
Hydrodynamic Project for a Modern Navy Patrol Vessel
According to IMO guidelines, the project began with an evaluation of the complete system behavior. We applied Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to improve the patrol vessel design, focusing on hull resistance, appendage behavior, and wake quality. The objective was clear: to deliver a reliable and optimized navy vessel ready for long-range maritime operations with enhanced performance and reduced operational costs.
The methodology included:
- CFD-based validation of the initial design
- Geometry parametrization for systematic variations
- Multiple optimization loops focused on resistance, wake field and propulsion
- Integration of constraints related to structure, arrangement and operability
This approach ensured the final hull offered genuine performance gains while remaining practical to build.
Key Hydrodynamic Improvements
Hydrodynamic refinement is essential in patrol vessel design, especially for vessels operating across multiple speeds and displacements. In this project, we achieved:
✔ Over 10% reduction in resistance at 18 knots
Through advanced CFD analysis and hull optimization, the vessel achieved a resistance reduction of over 10% at 18 knots. This improvement translates into lower fuel consumption, extended range, and greater operational efficiency—key performance indicators for navy vessels conducting long-duration missions. The optimized hull shape ensures a more sustainable platform, aligning with modern defense requirements for energy efficiency.
✔ Enhanced Wake Uniformity for Better Propulsion
The CFD-driven improvements led to a smoother and more uniform wake pattern behind the vessel. This enhances the propulsion efficiency, reduces vibration levels, and contributes to a quieter operation—an essential feature for ocean patrol vessels that require stealth during surveillance and reconnaissance tasks. Additionally, the reduction in vibrations improves onboard comfort for the crew and protects sensitive equipment from premature wear.
✔ Optimized Appendages for Hydrodynamic Performance
Critical appendages such as:
- Bilge keels
- Directional skegs
- Aft appendages affecting flow into the propeller
were redesigned and repositioned to minimize hydrodynamic drag and improve vessel maneuverability. These upgrades ensure better seakeeping, faster response times during tactical operations, and increased long-term reliability. By refining the patrol vessel design from a systems perspective, VICUSdt ensured each component contributes to the vessel’s overall mission readiness and lifespan.
Why CFD Is Essential for Navy Vessel and Patrol Ship Design
Modern navy vessels must operate efficiently in complex sea conditions, often covering long distances. CFD-based analysis ensures each design phase meets key performance targets. For this ocean patrol vessel,
CFD provided:
- High-accuracy resistance predictions
- Identify areas of flow separation
- Evaluate how small geometric tweaks affect resistance
- Optimize under real operating conditions
- Support shipyards and authorities in informed, data-driven decisions
The “Duque de Ahumada” is a strong case of how CFD and simulation-based patrol vessel design deliver measurable gains for navy vessel performance.
Want to enhance your vessel’s performance?
Whether you are designing a navy vessel, a research ship, or an ocean patrol vessel intended for long-range missions, hydrodynamic optimization is a critical factor in achieving superior performance. By leveraging advanced CFD simulations during the early design stages—or even as part of a retrofit—shipbuilders and operators can unlock double-digit efficiency gains, reduce fuel consumption, extend operational range, and improve maneuverability and stability in demanding sea conditions.
At VICUSdt, we apply this approach to ensure every vessel meets its mission objectives while minimizing lifecycle costs and environmental impact.
👉 Contact us to evaluate your hull with CFD
