Houlder leads groundbreaking COMLink project to improve wave resistance modelling

UK-based design and engineering consultancy Houlder has announced its collaboration with Siem Shipping UK and the University of Southampton on the innovative COMLink Design Tool project, which aims to improve predictions of wave resistance in early-stage ship design to deliver more efficient vessel operations.

This forward-thinking initiative, funded by the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF), is set to transform early-stage ship design by integrating real-world operational data and eliminate rule-of-thumb approaches to modelling wave resistance.

The Conceptual, Operational, Modelling Linked (COMLink) Tool addresses a longstanding challenge in maritime design: accurately predicting the added power needed for ships to operate effectively in waves. Traditional design methods primarily focus on calm water conditions, leading to potential inefficiencies in real-world operations. By developing a surrogate model that blends empirical data with high-fidelity simulations, the project will enable ship designers to create more efficient and resilient vessels from the outset.

Lebum Shin, Data Analytics Lead at Houlder, emphasised the projects importance, saying: "The COMLink Tool is a game-changer for ship design. By combining real-world operational data with cutting-edge modelling techniques, we can move beyond conventional assumptions and create vessels that are truly optimised for their working conditions. This project underscores Houlder’s commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the maritime industry."

As the project lead, Houlder will coordinate the project and ensure the successful integration of all components into a unified tool. 

Siem Shipping UK will contribute invaluable operational data from its fleet of car carriers, offering critical insights into seakeeping performance. Siem Shipping has also conducted in-depth studies of existing car carriers and refrigerated cargo ships, using empirical evidence to identify performance gaps and support the development of more efficient vessel designs.

The University of Southampton provides world-class maritime research, supporting the development of surrogate models through machine learning and high-fidelity simulations, and contributing insights that will be shared through industry conferences, peer-reviewed publications, and advisory bodies such as the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Alan Turing Institute.

The tool will initially be tested on car carrier hull forms, ensuring practical applicability across multiple ship types. By incorporating accurate power predictions in waves, this project will lead to improved hull designs, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions – aligning with the UK’s decarbonisation and sustainability goals.

This project is funded by the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF), part of the UK SHORE programme administered by the Department for Transport. UK SHORE, backed by £206m of Research and Development funding from the UK Government, aims to decarbonise the maritime sector through a series of initiatives running from 2022 to 2025. These initiatives include flagship competitions such as the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme and the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).

The SSAF specifically provides match-funding to accelerate the market readiness of pre-commercial smart shipping technologies. In its latest round, the SSAF allocated £8m to support 31 innovative projects across the UK, leveraging over £3m of private investment and involving more than 103 partners. This funding supports feasibility studies and early development of solutions to reduce emissions and enhance maritime efficiency.

The COMLink Design Tool project represents a significant step forward in maritime innovation, bridging the gap between conceptual design and real-world performance. By leveraging industry expertise and academic research, this initiative supports the transformation towards a more efficient and sustainable maritime sector.