On the Nature of the Transport Factor Component TFship

Abstract

This paper presents a revised empirical model for TFship, the Transport Factor component related to empty ship weight. Empty ship weight is shown to be dependent on a ship volume parameter, "deadweight density," that relates the sum of cargo and fuel weight to the sum of cargo and fuel volume. The revised model is compatible with Transport Factor analyses that assess transport properties of ship types of interest for high-speed sealift. Applicability is limited to displacement and semi-displacement monohulls and catamarans.