“We find the numerous roll reduction models of particular use for the evaluation of anti-roll devices”

At Robert Allan Ltd. ShipMo3D is a valued tool for the prediction of ship motions and seakeeping performance. It is quick and easy to set up an analysis for preliminary predictions; while subsequent customization allows complexity to be added as the design of the vessel progresses, increasing the accuracy of the seakeeping predictions. We find the numerous roll reduction models of particular use for the evaluation of anti-roll devices.

The thorough ShipMo3D documentation and the many papers published by Dr. Kevin McTaggart provide transparency in the calculations and numerical methods, and the validation studies instil confidence in the results.

The integration of ShipMo3D with ProteusDS further opens up possibilities for even more complex seakeeping analysis without the need to replicate fundamental work, streamlining the analysis process. We have no hesitation in recommending ShipMo3D.

“We found that we were able to quickly analyze ship maneuverability. This allowed us to confirm that the ship would pass requirements put forth by ABS and IMO…”

If ShipMo3D only provided maneuvering calculations, it would be harder to justify the price. The program has a lot more features which we have not begun to look at in depth but think will help our engineering team on future projects.

We found that we were able to quickly analyze ship maneuverability. This allowed us to confirm that the ship would pass requirements put forth by ABS and IMO, as well as to get turn rating such as rate of turning ability as defined in ABS’ Guide for Vessel Maneuverability.

Being able to model Azimuthing propulsors as well as Traditional rudders when analyzing Maneuverability in FreeMo was a huge advantage. This allowed us to compare characteristics between a traditional rudder design and that of an azimuthing propulsor design.

Working with DSA Ocean staff to support ShipMo3D has been a real pleasure. They respond to all questions and concerns in a timely manner and they take the time to walk the user through any problems that might arise.  Additionally, the online tutorials are a huge help and provide the knowledge needed to get working in the program.

I would recommend ShipMo3D as it provides a user friendly interface with a relatively easy learning curve.

“The validation from the documentation of the software seemed strong, but the vessels used in the validation differ from the ships we typically work with.”

The main concern we had was regarding the accuracy of the results, particularly looking at full and model scale validation. ShipMo3D is slightly intricate to get working as intended but after a good amount of time and experimenting, I was able to get the hang of it and help provide data in different forms of analysis needed for different projects.

The validation from the documentation of the software seemed strong, but the vessels used in the validation differ from the ships we typically work with. Our own validation for both seakeeping and maneuvering from known model and full scale tests from our end was mixed, but the software was able to give some level of confidence mainly on the seakeeping end. The maneuvering capabilities seems mainly suitable for shaft line propulsion and I would still be interested in more validation of the software, especially with podded propulsion.

My favorite feature is the capacity to directly import model meshes into the software that eased the process of new runs and rapid development alongside our hull form development. The large sets of appendages provide great benefits for more complex hulls. The large options of outputs and visualizations also help considerably in double checking runs, too.

One of the other greatest benefits would be the excellent customer service and support that is quick to reply. I have spent many days back and forth with ShipMo3D, with quick and patient help from those at DSA Ocean to help me get well acquainted with it.

While I am interested in more validation of the software and continual improvements for new features and refinements, I would recommend it for the core seakeeping capabilities of the software in its capabilities of using Green’s theorem.

“...we are a defense contractor in the US. We have significant cyber security requirements that took some time to work through to use commercial software…”

We had a seakeeping software in house that we were happy with for strip theory solutions. The majority of our contracts only required strip theory validation for seakeeping. But recently, some study and concept design contracts were coming through that required a panel code software for seakeeping analysis. We had one panel code software program that was available to us, but it was too cumbersome to use, also only operating in the time domain, led to long and complex analysis. ShipMo3D offered a panel theory code which operated in the frequency and time domain. It was the best of both worlds!

But an obstacle we faced was the fact that we are a defense contractor in the US. We have significant cyber security requirements that took some time to work through to use commercial software like ShipMo3D, but we were able to get there in the end.

We found ShipMo3D had an easy to use interface that worked well for standard preliminary design seakeeping analysis. It was only slightly more complex than a strip theory tool, but at a higher level of accuracy. I would recommend ShipMo3D as it is great value with highly customizable inputs and a good customer support team.

“Our project’s time constraints required a rapid simulation…”

We needed results and output from a seakeeping program in forms that were understandable and easy to interpret and graph. Our project’s time constraints required a rapid simulation with reasonable results.

I like the ease of bringing in a custom mesh for the hull. This made it easy to build the model from an existing file and was a tremendous help.

ShipMo3D allowed me to identify issues with the model that gave me time to go back and adjust prior to progressing with the design. Having time to read the results and clean up the presentation was very important.

Having a seakeeping analysis tool in-house is a great benefit. The outputs from ShipMo3D give us control over data presentation and output that we can include in an appendix for documentation.

ShipMo3D was relatively easy to operate with distinguishable output. Overall, I was very satisfied with the program.

“Out of all of our projects, few are those where the seaworthiness aspect is predominant. So we generally manage without this type of software.”

Our agency designs three to four different ships per year. On each of them, we manage all the issues related to naval architecture. Out of all of our projects, few are those where the seaworthiness aspect is predominant. So we generally manage without this type of software. The main obstacle, in this context, would be the cost of software that is new to our business and the training time. We took advantage of a project where ship motion analysis was predominant to overcome these two obstacles.

We found the price was affordable and the training time was short. The results suit us. We now hope to have other projects or work on this aspect of the job and manage to sell services with this tool.

We found ShipMo3D useful in the early stage of the project. It allows us to have a rapid overview of seakeeping on our project. Its simplicity of use allows us to compare several hulls on their hydrodynamic response and choose the best one.

I would recommend ShipMo3D. It is easy to use and quick to learn and is an essential tool in the early stage of our projects.