ABSTRACT
This work optimizes the seakeeping performance of a displacement catamaran to operate as fast crew supplier for an offshore platform at the Alentejo basin, Portugal. The strip-theory code PDStrip was used to predict heave and pitch motions, exploiting an assumption of negligible interaction between demi-hulls in head seas. RMS vertical acceleration responses at the bow and the average MSI at the passenger area were selected as objective functions to minimize. Also, the dimensions and position of the passenger area on deck were designed in order to minimize MSI. Constraints in terms of stability and ship resistance were applied. Horizontal clearance ratios between 0.2 and 0.4 were studied with respect to resistance, stability and MSI. Hull variations were generated from a parent model using Lackenby’s method, varying LCB and Cb within +−10%. An operability assessment of the optimized catamaran was carried out based on limiting seakeeping criteria imposed by the classification societies.
