For several years, FORCE Technology has served customers with the testing of ships, buildings and offshore construction under varying wind and water conditions. Consulting is a key factor in the design phase where advanced testing facilities and customised simulation tools help to optimise the design work. To DANYARD AALBORG, a Danish shipyard, it was therefore obvious to ask FORCE Technology for advice when it planned to build a 76 metre luxury motor yacht designed by the architect Espen Oinø.

Wave resistance minimised

With a view to optimising the performance of the yacht, FORCE Technology examined a range of factors from propulsion resistance to propelling design and manoeuvrability. Two models were built, measuring four and seven metres to allow for all the features of the yacht to be tested.
FORCE Technology conducted numerous trial tests and utilised the facilities of its collaboration partner in Bulgaria for full coverage testing of the design from starboard to port. The test results documented the yacht’s excellent manoeuvrability with a need for only minor adjustments of rudder and steering system while a change in design resulted in a marked reduction of the wave resistance.

Reduced smoke on the deck

There is an essential need on yachts and passenger ships to avoid smoke on open decks and fresh air intakes. No passenger would be pleased to breathe in smoke and damp.

On Princess Mariana, the mast design was massive and complex. When FORCE Technology tested the mast in the wind tunnel, we found that it was the cause of annoying smoke. Therefore, FORCE Technology suggested that both funnel and mast were reduced to minimise the annoyance of the funnel smoke.

The testing and sampling made it easier for DANYARD AALBORG to optimise the design before the shipyard embarked on building the yacht. Thanks to the consulting services provided by FORCE Technology during the important design phase, the shipyard ensured that the final yacht would perform as expected in every respect under different weather conditions.
Princess Mariana was ready for delivery at the beginning of 2004 to the new owner who acquired a luxury yacht with top-notch design and functional capabilities.