Topic-1 MAIN DIMENSIONS

Basic design of the Ship

The main dimensions of the barge influence many of the ship’s characteristics such as stability, carrying capacity, power requirements and its economic efficiency. So, they should be coordinated such that the vessel satisfies the design conditions as well as the characteristics desired by the shipping companies with various combinations of dimensions. The owner requires a vessel which will give him the best possible returns for his initial investment and operating costs. Basic design includes selection of main dimensions, hull form, power, and type of generator, preliminary arrangement of tanks and machinery, and major structural arrangements. Proper selections assure the attainment of the mission requirements such as carrying capacity and deadweight. It includes checks and modifications for achievement of required carrying capacity, subdivision of tanks and stability standards, freeboard and tonnage measurement. 

    Length (L)

The length of the ship is measured from the extreme forward end to the aftermost point of the stern. The length, L, shall be taken as 96 percent of the total length, in meters (feet), on a waterline at 85 percent of the least molded depth, D. In barges designed with a rake of keel, the waterline on which this length is measured shall be parallel to the designed waterline.

 Breadth (B)

The breadth of a ship is its width at the widest point as measured at the ship's nominal waterline. It is measured in meters.

    Depth (D)

Depth is defined as the height of the ship at the midship section from the base line to the molded line of the deck at side.

      Draught (T)

The draught of a ship's hull is the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull (keel), with the thickness of the hull included. Draught determines the minimum depth of water a ship or boat can safely navigate. The draught, T, is the molded draught, in meters (feet), from the molded baseline to the summer load line.