CFD-based approaches for low-carbon shipping: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Sustainable Shipping Technologies

Background:

• The maritime sector faces critical decarbonization demands due to environmental regulations and pollution concerns.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is transforming ship design towards data-driven energy efficiency optimization.
• Traditional empirical methods are being superseded by advanced simulation techniques for performance enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate the applications of CFD in optimizing shipping energy efficiency.
• To quantify the impact of CFD on various aspects of ship design and operation.
• To identify current challenges and future research directions for CFD in maritime decarbonization.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of CFD applications in hull form optimization, drag reduction, propulsion, and emissions.
• Quantitative analysis of reported CFD-driven efficiency gains across different maritime domains.
• Evaluation of multi-physics coupling and system-level co-design challenges in CFD modeling.

Main Results:

• CFD-driven hull optimization yields 5%-12% resistance reduction.
• Surface drag reduction technologies show potential for 10%-30% drag decrease.
• Propulsion improvements via CFD contribute 2-10% gains in propulsive efficiency.
• Integrated CFD approaches enable significant lifecycle emission reductions.

Conclusions:

• CFD is a pivotal tool for achieving substantial energy efficiency improvements and emission reductions in shipping.
• Addressing multi-physics coupling and enabling holistic co-design are key challenges for advanced CFD implementation.
• Future research should integrate AI, digital twins, and focus on zero-carbon propulsion for sustainable maritime operations.