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Oceanographic ship solutions for cutting-edge Research
Designing an oceanographic ship requires balancing operational efficiency with scientific accuracy. These vessels carry sensitive instruments—such as sonar, transducers, and gondolas—that demand stable hydrodynamic conditions and minimal underwater noise. At VICUSdt, we apply advanced CFD simulations to optimize hull design, appendages, moonpools, and propulsion systems for oceanographic ships. Our expertise ensures not only fuel efficiency and reduced emissions but also reliable sensor performance by eliminating flow disturbances and noise. With tailored engineering solutions, we help shipyards, research institutions, and operators build oceanographic ships ready for accurate data collection and efficient missions worldwide.
Naval architecture and hydrodynamic design
Today’s oceanographic research vessels represent a challenge in naval architecture and hydrodynamic design, as they demand the most challenging level in terms of underwater radiated noise and the flow of water on their transducers.
Hydrodynamic design and gondola location
Requirements such as those set by the ICES209 standard or class notations as DNV SILEN-R, force the design of oceanographic survey ship propellers to the limit, avoiding cavitation inception in the service speed range in order not to disturb the operation of the sensors of vessel. On the other hand, the increase in the number and size of sensors has led to the use of even larger gondolas to house these transducers. The location and hydrodynamic design of these nacelles for proper operation is a challenge that can only be addressed by experts in CFD hydrodynamic analysis such as VICUSdt.
Advanced Technologies in Modern Oceanographic Ships
Modern oceanographic ships integrate advanced technologies to guarantee both operational efficiency and scientific precision. Among these, CFD hydrodynamics plays a central role, enabling accurate simulation of hull performance, appendages, and propulsion systems. This ensures that vessels operate with low levels of radiated underwater noise, meeting strict standards such as ICES 209 and DNV SILEN-R, essential for protecting marine life and ensuring reliable acoustic measurements. In addition, CFD supports the optimization of seakeeping and maneuvering performance across all sea states, providing safe, stable platforms for sensitive instruments and research operations. By combining efficiency, compliance, and precision, these technologies make modern oceanographic ships indispensable tools for global scientific exploration.
Some examples of projects:
- Seakeeping and course stability analysis of oceanographic research vessel 46 m in length
- Optimization of the gondola geometry by means of CFD in order to minimize the interference produced by air bubbles coming from the free surface
- CFD hull form optimization of oceanographic research vessel 59 m in length
- Design and supply of main propellers for oceanographic research vessels from 550 to 3000 kW
- CFD twisted rudder design with towing tank certified 4% propulsive efficiency improvement
Our projects
The tandem formed by VICUSdt as propeller designer and our sister company Baliño as manufacturer of the shaft line, has revealed itself as a winning team in the last two decades, having equipped some of the quietest and most capable oceanographic vessels such as:
