Case study

Interstream Barging

Proven better fuel efficiency for two new Dutch inland waterway chemical tankers

Customer: Interstream Barging
Related services: Ship resistance & powering prediction, CFD simulation, adapted propeller design & supply
Scope of work:

Results:
Interstream Barging’s two new tankers Spinoza and Huygens recently entered service. Both vessels have a length of 110 meters and 11.45 meters beam. The hulls came from Gebr. of Jonge Shipbuilding Service and both completed their outfitting at Asto Shipyard in Raamsdonksveer, the Netherlands. The design of these chemical tankers focused on a combination of load capacity, efficiency and comfort. In cooperation with our partner Berger Maritiem, VICUSdt took care of designing and delivering the propeller and nozzle for both ships.
To achieve the optimal propeller design and the ideal nozzle configuration, VICUSdt has used CFD tools which allowed us to visualize the hydrodynamic performance of the hull.
Starting from the geometry of the hull in 3D CAD, CFD resistance calculations were performed at different speeds, simultaneously evaluating the wave train generated. In addition, an analysis of the propeller design has been carried out with CAD tools coupled to the CFD, determining the propulsive coefficients and the propeller-hull interaction by means of a self-propulsion test.
Compared to a traditional approach, this method leads to a better understanding of hull hydrodynamics, an accurate calculation of propeller performance, and a speed forecast calculated from real data (no statistical predictions). In addition, detailed cavitation analysis helps minimize operational problems such as noise, vibrations, and erosion damage.
At the request of Interstream Barging, the ship’s propellers are designed in compliance with the demanding ICE Class regulations, as a result, the blades have a greater thickness, which results in greater resistance to the impacts suffered by the thrusters in river navigation.
During sea trials, both vessels reached the expected speed, with a very low noise and vibration level in accommodation and wheelhouse. Interstream Barging is satisfied with the result. According to them, they are two very quiet chemical tankers that navigate smoothly and with good propulsive performance.