Design of a high-speed 20,000 TEU nuclear container vessel

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

Z.G.M. Leurs Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

J.L. Gelling Ship Design, Production and Operations - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
K. Visser Ship Design, Production and Operations - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
Niels de Vries C-Job Naval Architects (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2023 Zeno Leurs
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Published Date

24-10-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

This thesis delves into the intricate process of formulating an answer to the pivotal research question:

"What are the design characteristics of an economic high speed nuclear container vessel?"

The report systematically unfolds in six chapters, primarily focusing on a comprehensive literature study.

The exploration begins with an in-depth analysis of various nuclear reactors, emphasizing aspects such as load following, capital costs, fuel expenses, operational and maintenance costs, and decommissioning expenditures. Key challenges in implementing these reactors within ship designs are scrutinized, including considerations of safety, location, and refueling intervals.

Subsequently, the study investigates the intricate relationship between vessel speed and economic factors such as income, operational costs, and freight rates in liner shipping. Operational costs, especially fuel expenses, are found to significantly impact speed-dependent factors.

Concurrently, the impact of speed on hull shape and propulsors is evaluated, revealing a proportional increase in wave-making resistance at higher speeds and necessitating a reevaluation of power estimation methodologies.

The literature study is concluded with an assessment of three types of propulsors, where conventional propellers emerge as the preferred choice due to their efficiency, power range, and scalability.

The research then starts with the economic speed determination process, vital in shaping the vessel's design. This involves constructing a resistance curve based on a volume-scaled high-speed model vessel and factoring in components like CAPEX, OPEX, voyage costs, and freight rates. The study highlights the significant influence of freight rates on speed for all cases and underscores the viability of nuclear-powered vessels in achieving higher economic speeds due to lower fuel costs, especially over extended service lives.

With these foundational insights, the design process is initiated, emphasizing the optimal balance between speed, capacity, and real-world constraints. A scaled-down version of the nuclear concept vessel is developed, demonstrating a decrease in resistance while adhering to stability criteria. The resulting nuclear vessel design showcases a streamlined hull shape, minimal general arrangement alterations, and enhanced stability, with a notable preference for a three-propeller layout to optimize performance.

In conclusion, this study presents a concept design for a 20,000 TEU nuclear container vessel that achieves an increased economic speed, leading to design refinements in hull shape and propulsors. The research underscores the viability of nuclear propulsion in enhancing the efficiency of container shipping, providing valuable insights for future innovations in maritime transportation.