Ebook: Nautical and Maritime Culture, from the Past to the Future

About ICNM

The ICNM conference, organised by the Associazione Italiana di Tecnica Navale (ATENA), is one of the major Italian scientific events on maritime and nautical culture. The conference covers all conceptual and theoretical aspects of research in the engineering, history, architecture, economic, and social-sciences fields.

Since the dawn of history, the sea has connected and divided human societies, but it has never been an insuperable barrier for man. Now, as in the past, human beings traverse the sea to discover, inhabit and connect the entire known world, developing increasingly ingenious and innovative technological solutions in order to do so. They build cities and ports on the shore, increasing productive capacity and establishing new commercial and political relations, and despite the virtual interconnection of the modern world, the essence of human evolution is still expressed and sublimated at sea in a constant tension towards the unknown and the attempt to go beyond the limits of knowledge. This is a path marked by the discoveries, failures and transitions which are the milestones of the secular, human-sea relationship.

The ICNM conference aims to promote a dialogue between scholars, professionals, and all those with particular skills in research into, and development and enhancement of, maritime culture.

About ATENA

ATENA (Associazione Italiana di Tecnica Navale) was established in Genoa in 1947 on the initiative of a group of Italian naval architects and marine engineers. Its principal aim was to extend the initiatives of the Collegio degli Ingegneri Navali e Meccanici in such a way as to incentivise the discussion of ship design and maritime industry between the Italian specialists in this sector.

The first Technical National Conference was held in February 1948, attracting contributions from the most representative personalities of the national maritime sector, including professional naval architects and marine engineers, professors, researchers, ship owners and insurers.

Since the foundation of ATENA, its members have been providing high-level contributions to research, ship design & construction, and the shipping industry. A primary focus is also given to other relevant topics such as maritime safety and environmental issues.

Because the maritime industry acts in a global market, ATENA also spreads this vision worldwide by opening its conferences and events to international professionals.

Conceived and built to provide assistance to the Italian overseas colonies, the Regia Nave Puglia belonged to the Regioni-class torpedo rams of the Royal Italian Navy. She is the first ever naval vessel to have been laid and launched at the Taranto Naval Arsenal, which was inaugurated by King Umberto I in 1889. While in commission, the Puglia (named after Apulia, the region to which Taranto belongs) travelled extensively around the world in order to fly the ensign of the recently unified Italy on distant seas, completing two full circumnavigations and calling at hundreds of ports on all continents. The history of this ship and her crews has been meticulously de-scribed thanks to the sources studied. Among these are documents preserved in the archives of the Italian Navy in Rome (USMM, Ufficio Storico Marina Militare), in the archives of the Vittoriale degli Italiani (AdV, the museum which houses the remains of the ship), not to mention an unpublished logbook compiled by a naval officer named Galeazzo Sommi Picenardi (ASP) who was involved in the naval operations in the Read Sea. From all these origi-nal and largely unpublished papers emerge unknown aspects of the life on board, the encounters at sea, the inter-national relations, as well as the war-time events that the Regia Nave Puglia witnessed in the period that saw her in commission (1901-1923): from the aftermath of the Boxer rebellion in China to the First World War; from the Italian-Ottoman war (1911-1912) to the unrest that tormented the region of Dalmatia in the post-war period, to mention but a few.

In the 1861, the frigate “Terribile” was the first ironclad of the emerging Italian Navy and her history is interesting for both technical point of view and historical events. In fact, as the industrial revolution unfolded in the 19th century, the age of wooden hulled sailing ships gave way to that of steam powered iron ships. Moreover, due to the development of armament and armour, many changes took place in nearly every aspect of warship: design, operation and tactics. At the same time, in 1850 was just introduced the concept of dynamic stability, whereas up until the date the ship stability was essentially based upon Archimedes and Bouguer theories. Today, the availability of bibliography and the original lines plan of “Terribile” has enabled both the reconstruction of the ship design developments and the evaluation of the main ship characteristics, adopting the computational tools available nowadays. The obtained results are compared with original data, together with a prediction of the ship statical stability.

The aim of this article is to investigate the history of visual communication and graphic materials linked to pleasure boats, from the first steps that advertising took in this sector, from the first posters, to magazines, up to how today’s social media tell about these extraordinary boats and the shipyards that produce them. During this analysis it will also be essential to talk about the main trade fair events that, around the world, allow us to admire these products and some of the most interesting installations created for some events. Many examples will be shown here in which multiple disciplines come together to tell us about these boats, therefore through an interdisciplinary approach that makes this product art, entertainment and so we become spectators. One of the objective of this research is therefore to understand what the historical evolution of the representation of these means has been, what has already been said and what the unmet needs are to lead us to new scenarios and, thus, in the direction of increasingly rich and intersectional visual communication. An experimental phase will be added as the purpose of the above: the design of a survey to be filled in to those attending a boat show, to question visitors about the visual communication related to the boating world; it will be a qualitative research that could investigate what are the opinions of those who experience this world as observers and what could be improved in its representation.

The research illustrates the singular bivalence of the construction of the Grand Canal in the Palace of Versailles, in the seventeenth century: this body of water, more commonly interpreted as the design axis of the grandiose composition of the park and as the scene of celebrations of court splendor, was, in a sort of double life, the basin necessary for the attempt to develop checks and tests for war and merchant hulls.

This peculiarity, especially if placed in relation to the tradition of the naumachia of the classical and Renaissance periods, constitutes an important testimony to the importance of naval culture and development which, precisely in the following century, will find its full evolution and scientific expression.

If at the time of Louis XIV the Science of Naval Architecture, in fact, had not yet reached a complete methodological structure, in these episodes of empirical studies we can read the prodromes of thought and organization that would follow and of which Gaspard Monge and Duhamel de Monceau would be protagonists.

In the late 60’s of the last century, the well-preserved remains of two medieval ships were discovered in Nin (Croatia), in the inner Nin lagoon. In the next few decades, the remains were raised from the sea, conserved, partly reconstructed, and studied by nautical archaeologists, who analysed the ship to estimate its original dimensions and topology, resulting in three different sets of hull lines with slight variations in width, length, and shape.

Nin 1 lacks a traditional keel and instead features a stem, providing structural integrity to the bow and making the ship better suited for shallow waters which makes it unconventional when hydrodynamic calculations are considered, as there are no empirical methods for calculating such a ship’s resistance in a fast and reliable way. In this research, CFD is employed to precisely evaluate all three versions of Nin 1, aiming to identify the most efficient form among them, which is likely to be the original design. Three ship models are generated, based on each set of lines, and subjected to the same examined scenarios, i.e., sailing through calm water in the velocity range between 0.5 and 7 kn. The turbulence phenomenon is also analysed by applying the adequate turbulence model while respecting the appropriate mesh size. By applying the CFD method, each component of resistance is determined so that the effects of different hull forms and appendage dimensions are visible separately.

During the 18th century, shipbuilding underwent a development that initially had an influence not much in the practice as in the methodology concerning the teaching of the discipline. In this context, France was the first European naval power to develop a scholastic system that was going to deeply change the figures linked to shipbuilding. Henri Louis Duhamel du Monceau was a pioneer in this field, since he understood the importance of a scientific approach in shipbuilding, so much to promote the establishment of a naval school in Paris, in 1741, which later became known as École des ingénieurs-constructeurs (1765). Duhamel’s contribution to the subject was so significant that he wrote one of the first texts completely dedicated to the students of this school, titled Les Éléments de l’architecture navale (1752). This work is of interest as it sheds light on the subjects studied by the first generation of ‘ingénieurs-constructeurs’. Among those pages, it is possible to appreciate the birth of the scientific method and the remnants of the traditional constructive art, so deeply rooted in European shipbuilding, and thus, to immerse in the origins of European naval science. Indeed, this work shows the reader the two different aspects of education. On one hand, the work contains chapters capable of vividly showing the traditional techniques used in French shipbuilding at the time, and on the other hand, elements that introduce and address the issue of predicting results of a new ship a priori, a forerunner concept of the modern project. Through an analysis of this text, it will, therefore, be possible to delve into the origins of European naval science.

RoPax vessels are designed for transporting passengers, vehicles and cargo, ensuring comfort and safety. The absence of transversal subdivisions poses significant risks in case of garage deck flooding, affecting ship stability and deck structure loads. This paper introduces a fast numerical method to study the drainage capacity of a RoPax vessel’s garage deck using a passive drainage system (scuppers only) during firefighting scenarios. The drainage system’s effectiveness is simulated in calm water and irregular waves using a hybrid non-linear model, considering two scupper configurations with varying dimensions and positions. Results suggest that placing more scuppers at the stern improves drainage efficiency. The analysis of the results can provide general support for the design of passive drainage systems.

The role of the maritime industry in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate the effects of global warming is significant. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a specific target for the industry, but the challenge is to implement emission-reducing technologies at scale. The use of fossil fuels is still dominant in the shipping sector, also due to the significant barriers that hinder the full adoption of carbon-neutral alternative fuels. The transition to a low-carbon economy presents an opportunity for the industry to lead the way towards a sustainable innovation and demonstrate a commitment to reducing its environmental impact. In this context, Carbon Capture System (CCS) technologies have been identified as a promising solution, but their implementation on ships comes with its own set of challenges. In this paper, the authors aims at exploring the technical requirements and consequences of the installation of a CCS based on the use of Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) onboard a container ship. To validate their assumptions, the authors set up a simulation tool able to evaluate the potential reduction in Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the ship along a selected route. On the basis of the tool outcomes, the authors were able to provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed system’s costs and benefits, emphasizing the considerable savings that could be attained through the implementation of this technology on board cargo ships with a specific consideration to the future implementation of carbon emission taxes and a focus on the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) regulation. The findings of this research offer valuable perspectives on creating more effective and environmentally friendly approaches to mitigate GHG in the maritime sector.

Hull resistance is a critical factor in determining a vessel’s performance, fuel consumption, and overall efficiency. Traditional methods for evaluating hull resistance involve time-consuming and expensive experiments or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Machine learning (ML) offers a promising alternative for predicting ship resistance, leveraging data-driven models to establish relationships between hull characteristics and resistance values. This study investigates the application of machine learning to evaluate a sailing yacht bare hull resistance using a machine learning Gaussian Process Regression model trained with the Delft systematic hull series. A dataset comprising 50 sailing yacht hull forms and corresponding resistance values evaluated for Froude numbers between 0.1 and 0.6 is used to train and validate various ML models. The models are evaluated based on RMSE, R-Squared and MSE values. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of ML Gaussian Process Regression models in predicting ship resistance and the can be integrated into the early stages of ship design, facilitating the optimization of hull forms for improved hydrodynamic performance.

In conclusion, this research establishes machine learning as a powerful tool for evaluating sailing yacht resistance, offering generalizable predictions that significantly contribute to more efficient, cost-effective yacht and ship design optimization.

Naval vessel technologies are in continuous development; in recent years, new and increasingly energy-intensive weapon and detection systems, energy storage systems and new configurations of destroyer’s power and propulsion systems introduced new challenges that shall be considered during the ship design since the conceptual stage. They have a very strong impact on the technical and war performances of the vessel during its life-cycle. In this sense, the adoption of modern multi-attribute decision-based methods is essential to successfully cope with a completely new ship prototype during the concept design. Among the constraints to be satisfied in this process, intact and damaged stability is for sure among the most relevant, having a strong impact on ship subdivision and general arrangement. This work describes an approach to assess the compliance of a ship with the intact stability regulations (RINAMIL) based on the ship’s main geometrical quantities. Moreover, a metamodel based on the maximum floodable length concept (damage stability) allows for determining the feasibility of the main internal subdivision of the ship. Both the metamodels have been developed considering a database of destroyers that were generated starting from a baseline hull, varying five hull-form parameters using the design of experiment (DoE) technique.

The safety of vessels at sea is crucial, given the potential presence of obstacles such as rocks, other vessels, or offshore structures. Impacts with such objects pose a significant risk to the integrity of ships and the safety of passengers. The present research activity explores safety in international nautical competitions, with a specific focus on races governed by the International Union of Motorboating (UIM). It analyzes the innovative design of the hull’s sandwich construction of the XCAT racing catamaran, crucial for ensuring safety in the event of violent impacts, such as those from capsizing. The research activity involved four-point bending tests and impact tests to evaluate the mechanical performance and impact resistance of these sandwich specimens. Two types of sandwich structures were subjected to bending tests to determine their load-bearing capacity and to impact tests to assess their energy absorption characteristics. Through testing the effectiveness of structural innovations in enhancing the resilience of high-speed vessels is thus ensured, providing useful information for the development of theoretical and numerical prediction models.

The seakeeping performance of a ship is one of the primary characteristics to be considered during the design phase to determine the ship’s response in irregular sea conditions. The ship’s main geometric parameters must be selected in the very early stages of design as they influence the seakeeping performance, ensuring compliance with the operational conditions specified by the shipowner. In particular, for cruise ships, it is essential to evaluate the vertical motions to provide comfort for the passengers. It is intended to propose a statistical methodology for calculating the vertical motions of a cruise ship without employing complex theories such as strip theory, which are dependent on hull forms that are still unknown during the concept design phase. The methodology is based on calculating the Root Mean Square (RMS) of heave and pitch motions in various sea states and ship speeds through Multiple Linear Regressions (MLR), using a database of cruise ships created with the design of experiment (DoE) techniques by varying significant geometric parameters affecting seakeeping performance.

The European Union guidelines require innovative solutions for reducing emissions in the maritime transport. Some investigations have been also conducted to underline the advantages of the electrification of the maritime transports, especially for medium-short range boats in comparison with traditional diesel power drives. This study is based on a lightweight boat with green propulsion system. A life cycle assessment analysis was conducted for making a comparison among three different propulsion systems for this catamaran: full electric, hybrid hydrogen and internal combustion engine cases. The obtained results could encourage the spread of a new generation of green and smart boats with onboard sensors that can contribute to the maritime decarbonization and sea digitalization. Electric powertrains are more flexible to the implementation of more sophisticated digital systems for making further efficient the whole power trains in comparison to diesel engines.

Isogeometric Analysis (IgA) is an emerging numerical procedure conceived as a useful advancement of the traditional Finite Element Method (FEM). The essence of IgA is to bridge the current communication gap between Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) modules by employing high-order smooth spline basis functions both for geometry modelling and the construction of the solution space of analysis. As such, the method enables major benefits, namely a simplified pre-processing workflow and enhanced accuracy per degree of freedom associated with the capability of by-passing the time-consuming mesh creation stage and preserving exact geometry regardless of grid refinement. Furthermore, a user’s prerogative of selecting bases with adequate interelement continuity allows for a direct discretization of high-order differential operators, thereby avoiding stress recovery algorithms at the patch level during post-processing. In this contribution, the isogeometric approach is introduced to the detailed analysis of a ship’s structural member. In this regard, an in-house MatLab code has been developed for the structural assessment of linearly elastic isotropic continua, defined by either one or multiple NURBS patches. Within the IgA framework, the displacement approach of the mechanical problem is treated in its equivalent weak form and the obtained variational statement is discretized by means of an isogeometric Navier solid element formulation. Patch tests, involving in-plane loaded steel plates, are preliminarily performed to verify the accuracy of the numerical prediction, delivered by the present code, with respect to its analytical counterpart. A typical T-beam with associated plating is then analysed under uniform loading. It is demonstrated that the proposed approach can be recommended for engineering practice.

The article aims at give a different approach to the study of the transitional mode of ship, in order to have a criteria to make a preliminary evaluation of the resistance based on the ratio Length/Displacement and on the Froude number calculated on the volume. This approach is consequent to the definition for the HSSC for vessel, and aims at provide an other element to evaluate the behaviour of the ship, especially in what is called “transitional mode” according to literature.The paper examine some case study of HSC vessel, of different categories: yacht, patrol, fast ferry, each with tank test to provide a robust set of data, in order to express a formula for an easy evaluation of the residual resistance and compare the results.The formula take in consideration the change in the residuary resistance displacement ratio, when the Froude numbers and the length displacement ratio of the vessel are changed. The final results were compared with the results of statistical calculations and with the results of calculations according to the proposed scheme.

In the past few years, there has been a growing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, prompting remarkable advancements in eco-friendly technologies. One sector that has seen notable improvements is maritime transportation. An important innovation in this realm is the adoption of electric propulsion systems in boats, often referred to as “electrified boating.” This development has significant implications for promoting coastal sustainability, particularly in tourist destinations that offer exclusive experiences accessible solely by sea. By embracing electrified boating, these destinations not only enhance the visitor experience but also encourage low-impact environmental transportation methods.

In particular, this study explores the possibility of using electric, autonomously guided boats made of high-density polyethylene in protected marine areas, such as the Grotta dello Smeraldo along the Amalfi Coast, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of tourism on these areas, also through the implementation of strategic initiatives, such as the establishment of micro - grids.

This paper explores the potential of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize leisure sailing experiences by dynamically tailoring onboard environments to individuals’ emotions and preferences. Traditionally, leisure activities have been somewhat static, offering limited scope for personalization. However, advancements in sensor technology and AI systems have opened new possibilities for enhancing well-being and enjoyment during leisure activities. Using leisure sailing as a case study, this paper demonstrates how onboard sensors and AI systems can respond in real-time to participants’ emotions, adjusting various environmental factors such as lighting, music, ventilation, colours, and furniture layout to optimize comfort and enjoyment. By harnessing the power of technology and AI, leisure sailing experiences can be personalized and enriched, leading to enhanced relaxation and joy for participants. Furthermore, this paper encourages discussions on the broader potential of technology and AI to elevate leisure experiences across different domains. By focusing on advancements, applications, and ethical considerations, it aims to deepen our understanding of personalized and engaging leisure experiences. By fostering collaborations between technology developers, leisure industry professionals, and researchers, this paper seeks to inspire the creation of innovative solutions that reshape the future of leisure. In summary, this paper envisions a future where leisure sailing experiences are enhanced through seamless integration of technology and AI. By dynamically adapting to individuals’ emotions and preferences, the onboard environment can be optimized to maximize comfort and happiness, providing a truly personalized and engaging leisure experience.

In recent decades there has been an increase in global interest in the environment protection, prompting researchers to develop sustainable solutions. Solar energy is central in this context, as it can reduce pollution and energy costs, as in the case of a solar boat project that aims to maximize efficiency and reliability. The aim of this article is to show how we developed the best solar boat design prototype which, once the project has been embodied, will then have to compete in a competitive university context in the most important international competitions on the planet such as the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. The research made use of one of the-state-of-the art software for boat prototyping, namely Rhinoceros 7 and, in particular, the Orca 3D plug in. Initially, a first general prototype was created with the first try lengths and beams, compatible with the race regulations, and then moved on to more specific prototypes by improving the design lines and taking into account the adjustments due to the tests done considering strength and stability. This research will demonstrate the succession of steps towards obtaining the best solution considering the interaction of hydrostatics and hydrodynamics with competition regulations.

Although the design approach to the architectural defining of the environments on board has changed from time to time in the modern era, it could be said that a sort of “eclecticism” constitutes a leitmotiv never abandoned and declined differently during its evolution up to our days. In the past, the inventiveness inspired by ancient artistic styles aboard the first ocean liners was primarily meant to meet the taste of the time, as a source of attraction for customers. Nowadays we see similar situations aboard cruise ships, most of all because of their increasing dimension, that entails a great differentiation among spaces on board. Then, the coexistence on board of multiple stylistic features as a sort of a contemporary eclecticism is a consequence of design choices meant to impress the customer. The contribute here presented aims to discuss how the role of the designer has changed through the decades, and which is today its function in establishing correspondence between identity of the company, characterization of the ship, and finally attractiveness in the customer.