MARIN
About us
MARIN is a globally recognised top institute for maritime research. Our mission is 'Better Ships, Blue Oceans': we stand for clean, smart and safe shipping and sustainable use of the sea. We do this as an independent knowledge partner for the maritime sector, government and society. We offer integrated solutions, from concept development and design to operation, making optimal use of our test facilities, computer simulations, simulators and full-scale measurements. In developing, applying and sharing our knowledge, we stimulate innovation and global collaboration. The knowledge and involvement of our people is our strength.
In the future we will continue to support our mission, focussing on an even stronger base of knowledge, reliable tools and modern facilities. With this strengthened base we will optimise the entire maritime operation, the ship as a system and the human role in this. Our knowledge and ideas will stimulate the development of a safer and cleaner shipping industry, as well as encourage the sustainable use of the ocean for the extraction of energy, food and raw material and the development of cultivated life and autonomous systems at sea.
Products
ZERO EMISSIONS LAB
The Zero Emission Lab (ZEL), the engine room of the future, is a unique test facility worldwide. Future marine propulsion and power systems are tested and investigated, applying realistic, dynamic operating profiles. The lab integrates power and the hydro propulsion system and enables the representative coupling of the propulsion hydrodynamics with the power supply. POWER COMPONENTS ZEL will contain the physical hardware of the future engine room. Typical power components are fuels cells, batteries, super capacitors, electric machines, advanced internal combustion engines and a gearbox for hybrid solutions. Supporting components are storage for energy carriers, electrical infrastructure in DC and AC, advanced automation and control systems and integrated cooling and HVAC systems. CONNECTED TO HYDRODYNAMICS The engine room hardware connects to the hydrodynamics by a real propeller in the cavitation tunnel and an additional electric machine which is controlled by sophisticated hydrodynamic algorithms. These algorithms simulate the dynamical behaviour including acceleration and deceleration, cavitation and ventilation, behaviour in waves and manoeuvring, etc. DIGITAL TWIN With simulation, monitoring and big data technology, a digital twin of the ZEL has been developed as well. The digital building blocks enables us to build and operate ships in virtual reality. The digital twin accounts for scaling (effects) and effective system integration. This concept fits in perfectly with our focus on the complete lifecycle of ships and the ambition to make them smarter and cleaner.
SHALLOW WATER BASIN
Dimensions 220 m x 15.8 m, 1.1 m deep. Model size range particularly equipped for inland waterways, pushboat and tow configurations. Overall length of 26 m and total beam of 5.5 m is the largest tested so far. Manoeuvring tests (zigzag, PMM), model length up to 8 m, floating structures and mooring arrangements depending on water depth and wave conditions. Model tracking techniques by optical system.
CFD FOR OPTIMISING HULL DESING AND COMPARING ENERGY SYSTEMS
Pushboat-barge convoys offer great flexibility for inland cargo transport, being able to transport cargo on extremely shallow rivers. However, the meandering nature of rivers requires the convoys to have optimal manoeuvrability performance. The rotatable azimuthing thrusters can serve as an interesting alternative to conventional shaft lines. But how does this affect powering performance and efficiency? Comparing azimuthing thrusters and conventional shaft lines for propulsive efficiency of pushboat-barge convoys is a typical example of using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The calculations are performed with propulsors underneath the pushboat combined with open-water conditions to gain a better understanding of the propeller-hull interaction effects. The flow around the pushboat-barge convoy is computed with our CFD code ReFRESCO for viscous flows, while the propeller flow is calculated using a Boundary Element Method. For both propulsion systems MARIN will continue research using manoeuvring simulations in typical river conditions.
SOSc - SEVEN OCEANS SIMULATOR CENTER
SIMULATES COMPLEX MARITIME OPERATIONS Maritime operations are becoming increasingly complex: ships are getting bigger, traffic is increasing and weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. Safe execution of these operations requires a capable and well-trained crew. The spherical simulators in combination with a movable bridge will be unique in the maritime world and allow crews to experience the ship before it is even built. The new facility will also be used for research and testing innovative developments. Some examples are the application of virtual reality, operational advisory tools and the testing and monitoring of autonomous ships. IN-HOUSE DEVELOPED MANEUVER AND SIMULATION SOFTWARE SOSc simulators run on the in-house developed maneuvering and simulation software Dolphin. It allows simulating the full range of maritime operations, from simple ship handling to high-risk multi-player offshore operations, and from maneuvering ships to planing ships. To accurately predict the hydrodynamic behavior, the combination of MARIN's test facilities, prediction methods (such as Computational Fluid Dynamics) and full-scale measurements is essential. KEY FEATURES Optimizes nautical operations with excellent hydrodynamics modeling. Prediction of hydrodynamics, including all interactions between ships, offshore structures and environment. The latest visualization, virtualization and motion cueing techniques. Accurate observation of the behavior and interaction between operators. Measurement and feedback on operator performance and workload. A research platform for new control techniques and human-machine interfaces to improve situational awareness during an operation. All simulators can be linked to realistically simulate multi-ship, multi-tool operations.