ABSTRACT
Research has always been the fundamental tool for the human technological and social progress. Often, it is necessary to perform studies in places that can be reached only with ships specifically designed and built. However, from a careful analysis of the available data about existing research vessels in Europe, it appears that their average age is very high, making the work of scientists very difficult. Thus, considering a new generation research ship, new ship design methodologies and tools are required. The present work, recognizing many similarities with naval ships, proposes the application of an integrated ship design approach. Consequently, modular design principles and tools for virtual prototyping were applied. Moreover, these methodological choices were further justified by the adoption of the newest propulsion and energy generation/storage systems.
