Simultaneous optimization of propeller–hull systems to minimize lifetime fuel consumption

• Simultaneous design of propulsor and hull has the potential to improve performance of the coupled system.
• A method is proposed to optimize the propeller and hull for a vessel simultaneously using an SQP optimization algorithm.
• The method is used to optimize a KCS SIMMAN container ship and a B-series propeller to minimize the lifetime fuel consumption.
• By utilizing the proposed method a savings of over 10% is realized in lifetime fuel consumption over a design found using a sequential approach.

In traditional naval architecture design methodologies optimization of the hull and propeller are done in two separate phases. This sequential approach can lead to designs that have sub-optimal fuel consumption and, thus, higher operational costs. This work presents a method to optimize the propeller–hull system simultaneously in order to design a vessel to have minimal fuel consumption. The optimization uses a probabilistic mission profile, propeller–hull interaction, and engine information to determine the coupled system with minimum fuel cost over its operational life. The design approach is tested on a KCS SIMMAN container ship using B-series propeller data and is shown to reduce fuel consumption compared to an optimized traditional design approach.