Estimation of maneuverability of trawl fishing vessel using an analytical method

Abstract

Most fishing vessels are less than 100 m in length between the perpendiculars, for which adherence to the International Maritime Organization maneuverability standards are not mandatory. In the design stage of fishing vessels, maneuverability is estimated using empirical formulas—mainly analytical methods—rather than costly and time-consuming model tests. However, the empirical formula is developed through the process of regression analysis on the model test results from merchant ships’ hull form and applying the same to the fishing vessels’ hull form may result in an estimation error due to the differences in the vessels’ characteristics—e.g., L/B, B/d and Cb·B/L—. In a previous study, the authors of this paper derived a modified empirical formula by adding the hull form parameters of trawl fishing vessels to the existing empirical formula based on those of merchant ships. This study analyzes the validity of the modified empirical formula in depth by applying it to a newly-built training vessel that has the hull form of a trawl fishing vessel. As a result of the study, the estimation results were improved by including the parameters of the hull form of trawl fishing vessels in the empirical formula developed for merchant ships.