10131034COMLink Design tool (Conceptural, Operational Modelling Linked Design Tool)ClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKHoulder is spearheading maritime innovation with the development of the Houlder Optimisation and Modelling Environment (HOME). This project aims to revolutionise the concept design phase of ship development by integrating operational modelling into early design stages by developing our Conceptual, Operational Linked (COMLink) Tool as a part of HOME. By enabling digital simulations of ship performance under realistic conditions, Houlder seeks to create more efficient, reliable, and environmentally sustainable ship designs. One of the primary challenges in ship design is predicting how ships perform in real-world conditions, particularly in terms of added power in waves. Traditional design methods often focus on ideal conditions, which do not account for the added resistance from waves encountered in actual operations. Existing methods for predicting this added power are either not accurate enough or too computationally intensive for early design stages. Houlder's innovative approach involves developing advanced modelling techniques to predict added power in waves accurately and efficiently. This project will create a model combining different methods to deliver reliable performance predictions. While developing this model requires significant effort, it will benefit many future designs by reducing the risk of poor performance and minimising the need for major design changes later. The project involves collaboration with Siem Shipping UK and the University of Southampton. Siem Shipping has a track record of seeking optimisation and investing based on analytical findings and will provide real-world data to ensure the model's accuracy, while the University of Southampton will contribute academic expertise, advance simulation capabilities and validation capabilities. The broader impact of this project includes enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency of ship design in the UK, generating more domestic design capability. Improved ship designs will contribute to decarbonisation efforts in the maritime industry. The University of Southampton will also benefit by strengthening its maritime research and development capabilities. Siem Shipping will benefit from a deeper understanding of their operational vessels with the aim of increasing their performance and efficiency and informing their potential new build strategy with the findings of the project.