Joint study to assess RDT effectiveness under real sea conditions

ONE will supply vessel measurements, whilst ClassNK will pair them with numerical simulations.

Singapore-based Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Japan-based Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) have launched a joint research project to evaluate the effectiveness of roll damping tanks (RDTs) on large container ships.

ONE will provide onboard measurement data from its vessels, which ClassNK will analyse alongside numerical simulations to assess roll reduction performance under actual operating and sea conditions.

The analysis will provide practical insights into RDT performance and its effectiveness in full-scale operations, the companies said.

Both entities aim to use the findings to enhance cargo safety and transit reliability, as well as improve container stowage efficiency and loading capability.

RDTs reduce a ship’s rolling motion through the controlled movement of liquid within a tank. Their use on container ships has grown as reducing excessive roll can improve cargo safety, stowage efficiency, and operational flexibility.

However, RDT performance on large container ships has largely been assessed through model tests and numerical simulations, with full-scale verification under actual operating conditions still limited.

Masaharu Urabe, Vice President of Global Vessel Operations at ONE, said the companies aim to establish “a practical methodology for quantifying the effectiveness of RDTs under actual operating conditions.”

Urabe added that the findings could improve vessel safety, container stowage efficiency and loading capability.