On the Energy Efficiency Design Index of Ro-Ro passenger and Ro-Ro cargo ships

Abstract

This study proposes alternative formulations of the ship-specific correction factor ( fjRoRo) pertaining to Ro-Ro cargo and Ro-Ro passenger ships, as defined in the Energy Efficiency Design Index equation according to the International Maritime Organization Resolution MEPC 245(66). The alternative formulations were derived by studying a large sample of Ro-Ro cargo ships and Ro-Ro passenger ships, built between the years 1990 and 2012. The estimation of ships’ resistance and powering was conducted by application of Holtrop’s method. The obtained formulae’s exponent values were compared with the corresponding ones from latest International Maritime Organization studies on Energy Efficiency Design Index and they appear to better represent the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the operating fleet of Ro-Ro cargo and Ro-Ro passenger ships. Derived formulae may also be used in the frame of parametric design optimization of Ro-Ro ships.