When it comes to designing and building ships, there are countless factors that must be taken into consideration. One of the most important of these is the length between perpendiculars (LBP). In this article, we will explore what LBP is, how it is used, and why it is so important in the shipbuilding industry. What…
Can you identify the difference between and compare carbon fiber vs fiberglass? Contrary to what many people think, they are not the same thing. Both carbon fiber and fiberglass are composite reinforcing materials. Although both carbon fiber and fiberglass are composite materials, the fundamental distinction between the two is that while carbon fiber is created…
Ships traveling through water create resistance to their forward motion. This resistance is called drag and is caused by the water molecules clinging to the ship’s hull and slowing it down. Frictional drag increases when the hull is fouled by marine growth. Historically, it was believed that painting ships below the waterline with copper coating…
An implied condition for the safe carriage of goods at sea is that such cargoes shall be delivered, as far as possible, in as good condition and order as it was when received aboard. One way to achieve safe carriage of goods by sea transport is to protect cargoes from the elements, by loading them…
A ship’s ability to navigate safely through a particular area of water depends on how the ship “sits” in the water, in other words, her underwater profile. Her underwater profile which is dependent on her draught determines how much cargo she can load. The draught of a ship determines her displacement, particularly how much underwater…
Discover the 7 essential hull markings found on every ship. From Plimsoll lines to tug and pilot symbols, loading limits, and class compliance under IMO and SOLAS conventions.
The efficiency of a ship is determined by how well all the ship’s machinery and operating systems are maintained. To ensure such conditions are maintained, SOLAS Chapter-I Regulation-10, stipulates that all active ships in the 100A5 category must undergo a bottom survey twice every 5 years. In addition, merchant vessels older than 15 years must…
The stern can be defined as the aftmost section of a vessel. It is the backmost part of a vessel that serves a lot of functions. The stern is designed not only for the vessel’s aesthetics but plays a major role in functionality also. From the basic function of housing navigation lights to advanced hydrodynamic…
The keel of a boat is an essential part of the structure of a vessel. It keeps the vessel stable and prevents the vessel from being overturned into water. The keel of a vessel is typically found at the bottom of a vessel, mostly a fin-like structure, that rests on the seabed, progressing downwards from…
One aspect of a ship that needs additional consideration during design and construction is the hull. In the development of naval architecture, hull designs have gone from cylindrical wooden shanks to steel columns over time. To provide higher structural strength, engineers have been improving hull designs regularly. A variety of forces are working simultaneously on…