Full-Scale Measurements and Hull Monitoring on Ships

Abstract

Full-scale measurements on ships are an important source of information for the development of ship design rules and guidelines. Several full-scale measurements have been carried out by DNV GL on container ships but also on bulk and ore carriers, LNG carriers, oil tankers, and other ships. Three measurements on container ships are presented and examples for exploitation are given. In contrast to full-scale measurements for research purpose, regular hull monitoring systems give shipboard assistance, in particular, to inform the crew about critical load levels. Next to this, hull monitoring data can also be used for onshore evaluation, e.g., of long-term hull girder loads. Hull monitoring systems are described and examples of application are given. DNV GL rules for the approval of hull monitoring systems are outlined.