During the past 2-3 weeks I have been working on gaining realistic estimates for length, mass and cost of the vessel (along with studying for my final exams!).
The preliminary value for the length of the vessel is 170m (558ft), with a beam of around 22m (72ft). This would allow for the accommodation of 1500 passengers. The subsequent passenger:space ratio falls between typical values for cruise ships and overnight ferries.
An initial cost estimate based on hull, outfit and machinery masses and standard insurance and repayment models leads to a suggested ticket price of £300 for a one-way trip and £550 for a round voyage.
The values stated above will no doubt be modified as the design process continues. I aim to have the hull form and hydrostatics package for the ship completed by the end of June, allowing for completion of a GA (General Arrangement) and design and development of the passenger spaces.
These are still very early days...
The preliminary value for the length of the vessel is 170m (558ft), with a beam of around 22m (72ft). This would allow for the accommodation of 1500 passengers. The subsequent passenger:space ratio falls between typical values for cruise ships and overnight ferries.
An initial cost estimate based on hull, outfit and machinery masses and standard insurance and repayment models leads to a suggested ticket price of £300 for a one-way trip and £550 for a round voyage.
The values stated above will no doubt be modified as the design process continues. I aim to have the hull form and hydrostatics package for the ship completed by the end of June, allowing for completion of a GA (General Arrangement) and design and development of the passenger spaces.
These are still very early days...
Interesting blog you have here. I picked it up on the cruise critic forum and will be perusing your site more.
ReplyDeleteNow is this just a hobby, or are you pursuing some sort of an engineering degree?
I'll toss this concept in just for an idea and tell us what you think.
ReplyDeleteImagine a technology that would enable the hull to emit a high powered but fuel efficient means of ejecting an inert gas at the front and sides of the hull which would enable the ship to move forward to the point where water barely touches the forward and sides of the hull, yet propulsion remains using low cavitating screws in the aft end of the hull? Of course, I'm hitting on a similar idea of Russia's Skval torpedo. Imagine the speed of such a vessel...this system would kick in after leaving low wake areas and well out to sea.
HI Steve.
ReplyDeleteI'm developing the design for my own interests at the moment. I have spent the past 3 years studying for my BEng in Naval Architecture, which is now coming to an end. I have been meaning to develop this idea for some time and have finally got round to doing it!
The idea of bubble injection to the underside of the hull is a very interesting one. I recently attended a lecture on this topic. It seems that, in order to maintain a stable pocket of air beneath the hull it is crucial that the vessel remains almost completely level. Whilst I will try to reduce the ship motions as much as possible through hull design, I doubt such technology would be appropriate for this design.
Actually, bubble injection would be accomplished around the entire hull. Do away with the screws - gas ejection instead. the hull would move through the water without getting wet, greatly reducing drag. Steerage is provided through the use of computerized flaps and ailerons that would provide stability.
ReplyDeleteAll of course just ideas. But isn't this how machines are developed? Brilliant idea you have here though.