Maniobrabilidad en aguas someras de un buque fluvial con alta relación manga/calado

By means of several analysis processes, it is proven that a Riverine Support Patrol Vessel (RSPV), owned by the Colombian Navy, has good maneuverability characteristics. The design of the RSPV comprises, among other particulars, a high beam/draft ratio (9.5) and an azimuthal propulsion system of Pump-Jet type. Having the proper experimental results as well as the simulations attained through a mathematical model, it was possible to focus on this method’s validation and the comparison of the results to the existing maneuverability standards. Such validation, which has been performed following the procedures recommended by IMO and ITTC, helps getting the certainty that the computational tool developed here works appropriately with the modeled non-conventional propulsion, and that the implemented shallow water effects are consistent. As to the maneuverability criteria, the resulting data under certain conditions were compared to the recommended minimum values, proving that the RSPV design fulfills such requirements and also its turning ability enhances when the ship is being operated in shallow water. This result corroborates some previously published works that reported the appearance of this phenomenon on high beam-draft ratio vessels.