Graduation assignment: Optimized Offshore Vessel Tool

Careers at Royal IHC

Optimized Offshore Vessel Design Tool

Location: Royal IHC Kinderdijk, Technische Universiteit Delft

Project background

An Offshore Vessel is operating under many different conditions. The performance of an offshore vessel is not solely dependent on one design aspect. Vessel’s main particulars are the result of the required capabilities and will affect the vessel’s operations. Stability, Resistance and Propulsion, DP performance, Workability, and Fuel economy typically contribute to the vessel’s achievements. This multi-objective optimization process is time-intensive, and automating it would provide vessel designers with greater opportunities to identify diverse Pareto optimal solutions.

Project goal

Based on the available data of different vessel types, a tool should be developed that is capable of optimizing the vessel for multiple objectives. When the database information is insufficient, the tool should be able to synthesize various aspects of the design (Generative AI) to complete the data needed for optimization. This tool should be able to evaluate critical performance metrics for offshore vessel designs, enabling multi-objective optimization. Key objectives include, among others: Greenhouse gas emissions, operational expenses, and vessel uptime.

The project goal is to overcome data limitations and deliver a robust, automated framework for vessel design optimization by leveraging both existing data and AI-based data synthesis.

Project tasks

1. Investigate and structure the available data for different Offshore Vessel types
2. Develop a tool to generate synthetic design and performance data and complete the database
3. Validate the quality and reliability of generated data
4. Implement an optimization routine capable of handling multi objective design criteria to create a series of designs based on this data

Candidate Profile

• Strong interest in ship design, optimization, and digital technologies.
• Familiarity with programming (Python or similar) and optimization algorithms.
• Curiosity about AI applications in engineering.

Supervisors TU Delft:

Austin Kana a.a.kana@tudelft.nl ––––– Roy de Winter r.dewinter@tudelft.nl

Supervisors Royal IHC:

Shaurya Veer s.veer@royalihc.com ––––– Peter van der Hoek p.vanderhoek@royalihc.com

References

• Papanikolau, A, & Kana, A. A et al. (2024). Ship Design in the Era of Digital Transition: A state of the art report. Proceedings of 15th IMDC Conference 2024.
• Winter, R. de, & Back, T.H.W. et al. (2020). Optimizing Ships using the Holistic Accelerated Concept Design Methodology. Proceedings of the 14th PRADS Conference 2019.

About Us

Royal IHC is a leading supplier of maritime technology and expert craftsmanship. Driven by innovation, our dedicated experts provide a competitive edge to our worldwide customers in the dredging, offshore, mining and defence industries. However, Royal IHC is much more than vessels, equipment and services.

We deliver reliable, integrated solutions that improve operational efficiency and create a platform for a more sustainable performance. As we navigate new waters, our aim remains unchanged: to discover the smartest and safest way forward for both our customers and our people. Together, we create the maritime future.

In 2042 (when we exist 400 years) Royal IHC will be a fully sustainable company with a net-zero portfolio