ABSTRACT
In the present paper we demonstrate the optimization of alternative hull/engine/propeller setups for a defined operational scenario of a tanker that includes ship’s operational profile in calm seas and representative weather conditions, as well as all relevant safety and efficiency regulatory and technical constraints. The developed procedure, which may be used as a Decision Support Tool (DST) for interested ship investors, includes a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model that take into consideration the uncertainties of the most dominant economic parameters in tanker ship operation, namely for the achieved freight rates and the fuel cost, whose accurate prediction for the whole investment period is practically impossible. The developed methodology and the associated software tool are herein based on empirical relationships allowing the fast exploration of the huge design space in the frame of a concept design optimization procedure.
