When the Spanish Guardia Civil commissioned the new ocean patrol vessel “Duque de Ahumada”, 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.
To support this ambition, VICUSdt was entrusted with a complete hydrodynamic evolution of the vessel—applying advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and optimization techniques to refine the hull form, appendages and wake flow quality.
A Hydrodynamic Project
According to IMO guidelines, describes the overall robustness of the system. From less robust to Our involvement started with a baseline assessment of the tender-stage hull. We then moved into a structured optimization workflow, aligning our hydrodynamic refinements with the shipyard’s construction requirements.
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
Is often used when describing the capability of the vessel to keep its station keeping against Across different speeds and loading conditions, the optimization delivered significant performance gains:
✔ Over 10% reduction in resistance at 18 knots
This was the vessel’s most demanding operating point, and efficiency gains here translate directly into lower fuel consumption and greater range.
✔ Improved wake field uniformity
A smoother wake improves propeller efficiency and supports quieter, smoother operation—key factors for patrol missions.
✔ Optimized appendages
We refined the design and placement of critical elements such as:
- Bilge keels
- Directional skegs
- Aft appendages affecting flow into the propeller
These improvements reduced drag and enhanced the vessel’s dynamic behaviour in waves.
Why CFD Matters in Modern Patrol Vessel Design
Ocean-going patrol vessels operate across a wide range of speeds, sea states and mission profiles. For this reason, optimizing only one condition is no longer enough.
CFD allows us to:
- Predict hull performance with high accuracy
- 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 prime example of how simulation-driven design leads to measurable, operational benefits.
Want to enhance your vessel’s performance?
Whether designing a patrol vessel, a research ship, a cargo vessel or a retrofit project, hydrodynamic optimization can deliver double-digit efficiency gains.
👉 Contact us to evaluate your hull with CFD
