Increase existing ship's breadth

[naserrishehri]

Can we increase an existing ship's breadth ?
If not, which rule prohibit it.

 

[Olav]

Yes, it's possible and has been done in the past on a few occasions.

In principle the process is very similar to lengthening a ship, i.e. the hull is cut and an additional section inserted. However, the cut lengthwise is obviously much longer with a lot (!!!) more systems that will be affected as well and the outcome may look somewhat awkward. A completely new bow section might be worth considering. Also I reckon the two halves to be much harder to move around; if you cut the ship transversely to insert a new section to lengthen it, you can drydock the vessel, make the cut, make both parts of the ship watertight, flood the dock, float in the new section, align everything, pump out the water and do the assembly. Then just add water. I imagine making the port and starboard half of the hull floatable will be much harder.

Anyway, be prepared for heaps of hassle...

Edit: Google for "MSC Geneva" which was reportedly the first container vessel to be widened (works carried out in 2015). Also see here.

 

[Will Gilmore]

I am unaware of any rules against modifying a vessels dimensions, outside of class racing.

-Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Alik]

The easiest way is: add another ship, and it will be a cat. Or proa

 

[TANSL]

No rule prohibits it except the unwritten rule that it is worth the cost of the work for the benefits that are expected to be obtained from the increased breadth. I agree with Alik: better to add a hull to get a catamaran or a proa.

 

[naserrishehri]

Yes, it's possible and has been done in the past on a few occasions.

In principle the process is very similar to lengthening a ship, i.e. the hull is cut and an additional section inserted. However, the cut lengthwise is obviously much longer with a lot (!!!) more systems that will be affected as well and the outcome may look somewhat awkward. A completely new bow section might be worth considering. Also I reckon the two halves to be much harder to move around; if you cut the ship transversely to insert a new section to lengthen it, you can drydock the vessel, make the cut, make both parts of the ship watertight, flood the dock, float in the new section, align everything, pump out the water and do the assembly. Then just add water. I imagine making the port and starboard half of the hull floatable will be much harder.

Anyway, be prepared for heaps of hassle...

Edit: Google for "MSC Geneva" which was reportedly the first container vessel to be widened (works carried out in 2015). Also see here.

is it allowed to add two wings to the both sides?

 

[Olav]

is it allowed to add two wings to the both sides?

Why not? As long as you fulfil the applicable requirements for strength, stability and so on...

Whether or not it's reasonable to do so is an entirely different matter and is left to the discretion of the one who foots the bill...

 

[Mr Efficiency]

It sounds like a nightmare, in terms of complications of all sorts. It might be easier to add more to each side, but of course, knowing what the purpose of the exercise is, would be the decider of that.

 

[RAraujo]

It has been done most of the times to increase stability or deadweight. As an example see:

 

[naserrishehri]

I guess increasing the breadth by two wing shape , is dangerous for other ships which pass or berth beside.