ship stability calculation software programs

Ship Stability Calculation Software Programs Software To Provide

These would relate to the drafts, trim, stability, bending moments, shearing forces, torsional moments (if applicable), and other instructions mentioned in the Loading and related manuals.

In the northern hemisphere during hurricane season, extreme weather is a common phenomenon.

Nevertheless, facing storms at sea is routinely an unavoidable part of life at sea.

Each year substantial weather damages incur huge financial liabilities on ship operators.

The crew on a cargo ship never wants to find themselves amid a hurricane.

Therefore, while passage planning, a prudent ship master always considers the probability of facing extreme weather and choose an optimum route that would provide the most favorable weather and also fuel economy for the ship operators.

Despite taking the best precautions, a ship still may have to pass through extreme weather.

Ship Stability Calculation Software Programs Software To Provide

Nowadays, many ship owners prefer to use the professional services of a voyage routing provider who uses satellite information with computer-based software to provide almost real-time weather data to optimize the voyage plan.

Maersk Line is a pioneer of using such a shore-based technology.

Their ships are better informed to avoid harsh weather conditions by emailing updated route plans, weather maps, satellite images, and other information.

Summarized below are some critical points on conditions of stability, hull strength, draft, and trim of a ship that need to be taken into consideration to survive in severe conditions at sea.

A ship with proper weight distribution provides better protection at sea.

However, when ships are empty with no cargo, they are most unsafe at extreme conditions.

To improve stability during such conditions filling up ballast tanks is considered best.

To ensure cargo ships safety and efficiency when sailing empty or with low cargo volume, there now available computer-based cargo loading and stability software to adjust the trim, draft, and monitor hull strength.

Shipmasters should ensure the best use of such technology to assess ship stability conditions at sea, and arrivaldeparture atfrom the port and during loadingunloading cargo, bunkering, and water ballast exchanges.

He should confirm the vessels safety by proper GM, stress and other factors as being within appropriate Limits.

In case of any deviation from the limits, despite best efforts from the vessel (including transfer.

However, it is strongly recommended to compare The loading program in use shall be verified regularly by inputting standard loading condition from the Trim Stability Booklet and comparing results.

It can help detect any malfunctioning of the software in use.

The Master should also be familiar with the manual calculations of hull strength and stability, draft, and trim using the Trim Stability Booklet (Loading Manual).

If computer-loading programs are not functional or reliable, manual calculations are to be done and kept as similar to computer printouts.

The loading computer (approved or otherwise) must be tested at least once every three months by simulated loading condition excerpted from the Loading Manual and results compared.