SHIPS.

Abstract

The article speculates on the directions that ship design is likely to take in the next century. Design will take account of all the loads applied to the vessel, whether by cargo loading, wind and waves, launching or dry docking, assess all the resulting stresses in each part of the vessel, consider the varying power requirements and the needs of the operators, and arrive at the most efficient solutions for operation with a commercially agreed and socially acceptable safety level. That this can be achieved is certain. The type of vessels it will produce is less so. Although the design process will inexorably become more complex, the solution will become simpler. Subjects covered include propulsion systems, shipbuilding materials, cargo ships, nuclear power, semi-submersibles, wingsail vessels, and others.