The paper presents the results of experimental investigations of the flow generated by the controllable pitch propeller. The influence of the propeller pitch, rate of turn and rudder angle on the velocity filed measured behind the rudder for two different water depths were investigated. The model tests were carried out using twin propeller twin rudder car-passenger ferry model in 1:16 scale. The results of the experimental analysis allowed for the quantitative assessment of the velocity components distribution. The predicted flow field generated by the propellers near the quay wall during unberthing has been computed using CFD methods

The paper discusses the influence of the main vessel operational parameters on fuel consumption. These parameters are the speed trough the water, mean draft and trim. The focus is set to the flow phenomena around certain elements of hull geometry as they are sensitive on the selection of discussed parameters. Therefore, the understanding of the flow properties and their impact on ship resistance thus the fuel consumption and emission is crucial taking into account legislative changes imposed by IMO with respect to carbon dioxide emissions from ships

The paper presents the theoretical and experimental methods used in scientific and operational practice to predict the hydrodynamic loads generated by propellers and thrusters on the hydrotechnical constructions. The influence of different parameters: pitch and rotational speed of the propeller, aft body form of the ship hull and shallow water effect on the velocity field are discusse

The paper presents environmental factors influencing the safety of ship access to a port. The factors are classified into real time, short and long term ones from the point of view of modeling and real time risk assessment. An example of a long term prognosis for a surface current is given. The risk assessment of ship approach to a port based on a stochastic model of ship motions under wind and wave is proposed.

The paper presents the state of art on three dimensional transient flows induced by a ship approaching a berthing structure. The results of full scale measurements of the velocity field obtained during the trials conducted in Gdynia Port with the motor ship “Horyzont II” are given. At the present stage of research the results of measurements have been used for the qualitative assessment of phenomena and making preliminary conclusions regarding the hydrodynamic forces.

This paper presents human and operational factors related to risk assessment during the operations of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas transfer between ships, called Ship to Ship (STS) operations. The lessons learned from accidents during STS when both ships are underway show that the most frequent accidents occur due to ship handling errors. Several influencing factors have already been identified, however there is still a need to investigate the human factor. Both human and operational factors are interrelated as the operational factors influence the human stress level. This paper identifies the stressors related to the external pressures imposed on the ship’s staff, which can be limited to improve safety. The preliminary study of the influence of particular elements of human factors, e.g., personality traits and stress levels, on the probability of ship handling error is presented.

Low controllability under strong winds presents a problem for the operation of inland vessels, which can be improved using passive bow rudders and transverse thrusters. Bow thrusters can sufficiently improve the manoeuvrability at low speeds, but an unsolved problem is course maintaining and yaw checking of a vessel at medium and high speeds. This paper proposes the use of a bow steering system in which the bow rotors generate a Magnus force. The first physical test model of the system showed promising results and that much more research must be performed before this system can be used in industrial applications. The paper presents the results of a numerical study on the flow field generated by bow rotors. The first stage of a ship’s turn using the bow rotors was used to determine the dependence of the expected steering force on the inflow velocity and rotational speed of the rotors. The influence of the flow generated by the bow steering system on river banks and quay walls during manoeuvres was also discussed.