What do you think you have to check before purchasing fast ferries for sale? It is the seakeeping ability of the vessel you’re about to purchase. Have you never come across this word before? So, to put it simply, seakeeping is the ability or behaviour of a ship to endure rough conditions in the ocean. But the question is, how do you understand or gauge the seakeeping ability or seaworthiness of a vessel? Well, that depends on a few factors. In this blog, we shed light on such important determinants.
Hull Size –
Ship length or hull size determines how well your ship performs in waves. In a given sea condition, the ship length can make a huge difference in seakeeping behaviour. While small ships make large motions and contours in big waves, large ships will create lesser movements because of its massive structure and longer length in the same waves. Since a hull is the most exposed part of your ship in the water surface, its condition should be thoroughly inspected to ensure its seaworthiness. Based on the cargo and speed, you should choose a hull size that will maintain the right motion in the ocean.
Metacentric Height –
Simply put, it is a measurement of the static stability of a ship on an initial basis. A higher metacentric height is always desirable as it implies better stability against overturning. No matter which fast ferries for sale you invest in, ensuring a greater metacentric height proves to be important from a seakeeping point of view. However, it should not be too large as that might induce motion sickness among passengers. Too small a height is also dangerous and increases the risk of capsizing. Thus, go for a ship whose metacentric height is at an ideal level.
Tank Test –
Some shipping companies may also perform seakeeping tests using the standing water ship model. In this seakeeping frame-up, the model ship is integrated with autopilot and powering steering control for free-sailing in the generated sea states. With this, certain measurements like wave elevations, propeller thrust, torque, and accelerations are obtained to calculate the seakeeping parameters. It is expected of a professional inspector to check these parameters before giving you a green signal to purchase a ship.
Numerical seakeeping –
Given the advancements made in shipping technologies, many companies and professionals are also making numerical seakeeping predictions on the basis of 3-D radiation and diffraction at a forward speed. By implementing these tools, the experts can calculate the wave forces, motion response, and operations profile of the ship in relation to a particular sea state. This is by far the best way to gauge seakeeping ability at the early design phase only.
Conclusion –
It is often beyond a non-professional to know about the market trends, let alone checking the seakeeping abilities of fast ferries for sale. If you are exploring the maritime market for the first time, it is highly suggested that you consult a ship brokering company like Norwegian Ship Sales. Not only the team can enlighten you on the market trends, but the experts may also arrange an inspector for checking the condition of the vessel you’re planning to purchase. So, to book a consultation, you may call @ +47 6754 1925 / +47 9177 6183.
