Operability analysis of a high speed car/passenger ferry

Catamarans are more likely to be exposed to cross-deck wave impacts and sea loads. These impact loads consequently may cause local structural damage, speed reductions, and significant safety problems. This paper aims at presenting an operability calculation procedure through seakeeping analysis by taking into account various criteria. The proposed approach is also very convenient to compare the operability of catamarans in different geographic sites or for different loading conditions. A car/passenger catamaran ferry that provides a fast transportation service across the Irish Sea is considered as a case study example. Two different separation distances between the demi hulls are chosen, and then operability analyses are carried out for both configurations in three different loading conditions. RAO database of the craft is generated by means of 2 D high speed theory. Finally, the best configuration of the vessel and loading condition in terms of operability is explored.