STEEL WEIGHT ESTIMATION FOR SHIPS

In the conceptual design phase approximate values for the various weight items are required. Similarity studies can be applied if data for existing ships of the same type are known. Otherwise, the coefficient method in which the weights are given as function of the main particulars of the ship can be used. The accuracy of the coefficient method relies heavily on the quality and amount of data for existing ships used in the derivation of the empirical weight formulas. Many different formulas exist, but mainly based on data for ships built many years ago. In the present paper a large number of weight data from ships built recently at Danish shipyards are combined with available data for other ships. The main result is steel weight coefficients for different ship types as function of displacement, deadweight and cubic number. The applicability of the results are demonstrated by comparison with other published formulas. The implications due to the use of higher tensile steel and double hull construction are discussed. The results presented are directly applicable as a design tool in the conceptual design phase and related decision support systems.