Author(s): Lifei Tang; Wei Chai; Jiabin Tao; Zijian Wang; Boao Cai; Chi Xiang
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Restricted channel of polar regions; Polar navigation ship; Hydrodynamic performance; Numerical simulation
Abstract: Driven by global warming and the economic incentives to reduce shipping distances, Arctic navigation has garnered significant attention in recent years. Non-icebreaking vessels often rely on the assistance of icebreakers when operating in polar environments. The channels formed by icebreakers typically involve confinement by pack ice on both sides, with occasional inclusion of small quantities of broken ice. This study investigates the impact of such conditions on the self-propulsion performance of vessels by conducting numerical simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The focus is on the self-propulsion process within restricted polar channels of varying widths. A notable wave reflection phenomenon was observed in the wake flow, with resistance increasing by 8.5% to 13.4% during navigation. Furthermore, as vessel speed increased, the rate of resistance growth also amplified. Additional self-propulsion simulations, based on resistance and flow characteristics, revealed that while the flow field near the propeller showed some improvement, navigating within the restricted polar channels still led to a significant increase in propeller power demand, ranging from 11.4% to 16.5%. Consequently, the power required to maintain a constant speed increased noticeably. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how channel restrictions influence ship self-propulsion performance, providing valuable theoretical insights for the design optimization and operational strategies of non-icebreaking vessels operating in Arctic waters under the guidance of icebreakers.
Year: 2026