Propulsive Qualities of Catamaran Vessels

Abstract

During the last decade the civil and military applications of catamaran vessels have developed rapidly. Their particular area of proliferation is the short sea shipping where their power, economy, habitability and behavior have provided them a market niche. The rapid market growth ha caused catamarans to experience design modifications regarding size, speed, cargo diversity (passengers, vehicles, containers). The purpose of this article is to show the work developed by the El Pardo Hydrodynamic Experiences Channel (CEHIPAR) regarding the propulsive qualities of catamaran vessels. This work is the result of the need expressed by the Ministry of Defense for provision of technical assistance and scientific research for an I+D program that established more adequate program parameters for a catamaran-type vessel from the propulsive point of view, in relation to its size and shape, so that it has the adequate information and trustworthiness when suggesting a vessel of this type as an alternative to other platforms, always within the scope of application of patrol-type or quick-attack-type vessels.

Document type: Article