A Proposal for Performance Criteria for Propulsion Losses Due to Ship Steering

Abstract

The problem of definition of propulsion loss related to ship steering is addressed. Performance criteria representative of propulsion losses due to steering over a range of operating conditions including operation in calm water and a seaway are considered. Criteria are derived from strict analytical considerations and from empirical assumptions based on experimentally derived hydrodynamic data. The applicability of these various criteria and the implications for both assessment of relative performance of existing ship autopilots and for the design of new steering controllers is discussed in relation to simulation results for a high-speed containership.