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.