Preliminary Design of a Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) Vessel

This study presents the preliminary design and hydrodynamic evaluation of a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel intended for coastal transportation within the Southern Ijaw region of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Principal dimensions obtained from empirical ship design relations include length overall of 72.6 m, beam of 10 m, and design Draught of 3.78 m, corresponding to a displacement of approximately 2000 tonnes. Hydrostatic analysis produced form coefficients of CB = 0.521, CP = 0.676, and CWP = 0.846, indicating a moderately full hull form suitable for cargo-vehicle operations with adequate initial stability. Resistance prediction using the Holtrop method shows a calm-water resistance of 301 kN at a design speed of 20 knots, requiring about 5.86 MW propulsion power. Motion analysis revealed peak heave responses of ≈2.8 m near 1 rad/s wave frequency. These results confirm the vessel’s hydrodynamic suitability and operational efficiency for shallow-water ferry services.