Ships are complex and their design must be approached methodically. The design of a ship hull is based on the specific geometric definition of a hull which influences the hydrostatics, general arrangement, strength, and aesthetics of the vessel. There are several distinct phases such as concept design, contract design, detail design, etc. It is in the concept phase that the designer will establish the broad characteristics of the design. The actual design process within each phase varies with the type of ship and how novel it is. Everything in the ship has a part to play and the design configuration is key to the development of a good design. Embedded within the design process are assessments of the ship’s characteristics such as stability, strength, powering, maneuverability and motions. The design must be cost-effective, require minimum manning, be available when needed and not be unduly vulnerable. The safety of the ship, the people on board, and the environment in which it sails are all important. Nowadays, mathematical methods for ship form design, especially when supported by computer systems with interactive graphical capabilities have become popular concerning time and cost.
