Evaluation Methodology for the Selection of the Combined Propulsion System for an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV93C)

Abstract

In accordance with Colombian Navy Force Planning Document for 2030 and supported by the Pentagonal Strategy of the Colombian Navy, the need for a new OPV-type vessel design for the Colombian Navy has been identified. For this reason, it is very important to know the mission requirements of these ship types to guide its design. This has led the Colombian shipbuilding industry, especially COTECMAR to acquire capabilities for the design and construction of these vessels in the country. During the development of conceptual design, an aspect extensively analyzed is the propulsion system. In the present study CODAD and CODELOD combined propulsion systems are analyzed, identifying their technical advantages. The performance criteria to be evaluated are defined and a multi-criteria evaluation is carried out to recommend the most convenient configuration for the vessel OPV93C. Apart from the technical parameters, the life cycle cost analysis for each of the alternatives is also addressed, taking in account: acquisition cost, fuel consumption and maintenance costs of the propulsion system and electric generators. Combined propulsion systems represent a favorable technological solution that seeks to reduce these costs, since they are usually associated with fuel consumption and maintenance of the platform.