The brief to investigate a high speed maritime transportation system within the waterways of Western Europe has been researched and a possible system designed. Initial research was conducted into a variety of cargo travelling on existing transport links. Market research concluded that four high speed vessels transporting a mean of 200T between four hubs, would provide a reasonable solution that balances the investment of new technologies against the economies of scale.
A design spiral was used in order to ensure compatibility between the different elements of the project and to allow the design to develop in a balanced manner. Detailed development of the vessel took place in certain key areas of the design: hull type and characteristics, superstructure, structure, and machinery. In conjunction with this, the port terminals were developed to create an integrated, effective and fast system.
The design proposed four aluminium Axe Bow, high speed (30 Knots), general cargo vessels, to operate on a circular route between London, Zeebrugge, Hull and Cuxhaven. A once daily service with two vessels operating in each direction and arriving at set times in each port was deemed vitally important according to the research. To facilitate this schedule a rapid loading/unloading system has been developed by making use of a MoorMaster docking sysetm and combining roller systems from the aerospace industry with smaller, more space efficient containers.
The project delivers a financially viable and environmentally beneficial solution in comparison to air freight. Including a concept design for the vessels, terminal and innovative systems justified with experimental data and computer modelling. Future work includes further development of the concept, with more iterations around the design spiral and further research into the shore side network.
A design spiral was used in order to ensure compatibility between the different elements of the project and to allow the design to develop in a balanced manner. Detailed development of the vessel took place in certain key areas of the design: hull type and characteristics, superstructure, structure, and machinery. In conjunction with this, the port terminals were developed to create an integrated, effective and fast system.
The design proposed four aluminium Axe Bow, high speed (30 Knots), general cargo vessels, to operate on a circular route between London, Zeebrugge, Hull and Cuxhaven. A once daily service with two vessels operating in each direction and arriving at set times in each port was deemed vitally important according to the research. To facilitate this schedule a rapid loading/unloading system has been developed by making use of a MoorMaster docking sysetm and combining roller systems from the aerospace industry with smaller, more space efficient containers.
The project delivers a financially viable and environmentally beneficial solution in comparison to air freight. Including a concept design for the vessels, terminal and innovative systems justified with experimental data and computer modelling. Future work includes further development of the concept, with more iterations around the design spiral and further research into the shore side network.
