Evaluation of bow foils on ship delivered power in waves using model tests

Bow foils have the potential to significantly reduce engine load and CO(2 )emissions of ships operating in waves. This paper presents the methodology and results of an improved free running experiment for the evaluation of bow foils. The model tests directly measured the change in ship delivered power in waves with and without a bow foil. The results show that the bow foil reduces the delivered power in regular head waves by up to 50% and 12% in irregular waves. In addition to quantifying the comparative contribution due to foil thrust and reduced ship motions in waves, the experiment measured the wave phasing and feathering parameters. The presented dataset, analysis and experimental procedures, which can be used for numerical validation and performance predictions in a range of conditions, demonstrates the potential of energy saving bow foils to reduce engine load and ship emissions.