Design guidelines are presented for predicting added wave resistance useful at the early stage of designing ro-ro ferries. The guidelines were prepared on the basis of regression analysis of model values of added wave resistance. The model values were calculated by means of 448 ferry shape variants assuming conventional waving parameters and ferry movement parameters. Such approach permitted the replacement of a compli-cated numerical model with a simple regression model based on basic design parameters

The paper presents approximations of added wave resistance useful in the early stage of designing ro-ro ferries. Reference added wave resistance values were calculated by means of SEAWAY software based on accurate numerical methods. Approximating function was elaborated by using the artificial neural networks. The model values were calculated by means of 448 ferry shape variants assuming conventional waving parameters and ferry movement parameters. Such approach permitted the replacement of the complicated numerical model with a simple analytical model based on basic hull shape parameters