Houlder develops sustainable concept design for Cefas’ possible replacement research vessel
11th November 2024
From concept to tender and beyond: Houlder uses latest modelling tools to support Cefas
Design and engineering consultancy Houlder has been working with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) providing technical services, including specialist research vessel consultancy and naval architecture work.
Independent advisors, Houlder, first analysed the options available for Cefas to maintain and enhance its research vessel capabilities into the future, before proceeding with work to develop a concept design for a new research vessel. Whilst the process is still subject to UK Government approval, Cefas has now published a Prior Information Notice (PIN) which invites organisations to participate in pre-market activity for the design, build, commission and delivery of the vessel.
This vessel, which would conduct marine scientific data collection, including for marine environment, biodiversity, and fisheries disciplines, has some unique and specialist requirements for the naval architects to address. For example, it is key to reduce underwater radiated noise (URN) and minimise the creation of bubbles which can interfere with the vessel’s sensors, all while providing an efficient and reliable marine propulsion system and meeting researchers’ onboard needs and Cefas’ decarbonisation ambitions.
To address one of the more unique requirements, minimising bubbles, Houlder is using its computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation capabilities to perform a ‘bubble sweep down’ and ensure that minimal bubbles are generated by the hull and propulsion machinery.
With vessel efficiency in mind, CFD, simulation and technical data analysis are increasingly important to shipping. Houlder acquired Seaspeed Marine Consulting back in 2022 to expand these hydrodynamics capabilities. Houlder’s experts also recently highlighted how advances in processing power, AI, and big data are leading to the development of new and smarter tools, such as their Houlder Optimisation & Modelling Environment (HOMETM). With this, the team has explored various sustainable propulsion options and energy efficiency solutions which could either be retrofitted to existing research vessels or installed on a new vessel.
Commenting on the project, Principal Naval Architect at Houlder Chris Fisher said:“Our team has a close relationship with Cefas, allowing us to understand in-detail the specific operational needs of the research centre and its vessel. Having set out the business and technical case for each option, and developed a concept design that meet Cefas’ requirements, we will (subject to the associated Business Case approvals process) support Cefas with the procurement of its preferred solution, maintaining a close advisory role throughout. We look forward to continuing our work with the Cefas team and to ensuring their valuable research can continue.”
The recent project and agreement between Houlder and Cefas builds on an existing relationship which began in 2019 and expands the scope of the collaboration. Houlder was also recognised for its work on the design and build of the RRS Sir David Attenborough alongside NERC and Cammell Laird, as well as vessel design work for Marine Scotland’s latest specialist research vessels