Structural optimisation of a bulk carrier according to IACS CSR-BC

ABSTRACTAccording to IACS CSR for Bulk Carriers, a direct strength analysis based on a three-hold FEM model of the cargo area is mandatory for all vessels above 150 m in length. Structural design according to CSR requirements is a challenging task that demands utilisation of an integrated design system. To allow a designer to fully realise all benefits of a formal optimisation procedure, an in-house structural design support system OCTOPUS-CSR was developed for the concept and preliminary design phases. The developed design system was used for the structural design of the bulk carrier series to be built in shipyard 3.MAJ in Croatia and the main achievements in the preliminary design phase are presented in this paper. Developed tools and methodology enables the structural design team to optimise structural designs while satisfying the CSR requirements of structural safety.