HullGen – AI-Driven Hydrodynamic Optimisation for Energy-Efficient Marine Vessels

ew Science Lab is seeking a Norwegian research organisation to join a POLNORIS R&D project focused on HullGen – our AI-driven platform for hydrodynamic optimisation of marine vessel hulls.

The challenge

Conventional hull development requires multiple iterative design, simulation and testing cycles. HullGen aims to automate and substantially accelerate this process by combining generative design, AI-based optimisation, hydrodynamic simulation and engineering validation.

The system generates and evaluates hull geometries against defined operational parameters and mission profiles, searching the design space for solutions that minimise hydrodynamic resistance and propulsion energy requirements.

Current development

HullGen has progressed beyond the initial concept stage. A proof-of-concept has been developed and preliminary testing has demonstrated promising potential for significant resistance reduction under tested conditions.

We are now preparing the next R&D stage, focused on improving the optimisation methodology, extending the range of operating conditions and vessel types, and validating the results through higher-fidelity CFD and experimental testing.

Proposed POLNORIS R&D scope

The joint project could include:

• development and validation of advanced hydrodynamic models;
• CFD simulation and optimisation of generated hull geometries;
• AI, surrogate modelling and multi-objective optimisation;
• optimisation for different speeds, payloads and operational profiles;
• physical model testing and experimental validation;
• comparison of AI-generated designs with conventional reference hulls;
• development of methodologies for transferring optimised designs towards real-world vessel applications.

Partner sought

We are particularly seeking a research organisation from Norway with strong capabilities in one or more of the following areas:

• naval architecture;
• marine hydrodynamics;
• computational fluid dynamics (CFD);
• towing tank or other experimental hydrodynamic testing;
• autonomous and unmanned surface vessels;
• AI/ML applied to engineering optimisation;
• surrogate modelling and digital twins.

Access to experimental testing infrastructure would be a particularly valuable contribution.

What New Science Lab brings

NSL brings the existing HullGen technology, AI and optimisation capabilities, preliminary proof-of-concept results, software development resources and responsibility for further technology development and commercialisation.

We also cooperate with Polish marine engineering and research organisations and are building an industrial pathway for validation and deployment of the technology.

Expected impact

The objective is to develop and experimentally validate a new AI-supported methodology capable of shortening hull optimisation cycles while reducing hydrodynamic resistance, propulsion energy requirements and associated emissions.

The project is therefore directly aligned with the POLNORIS European green transition priority and has potential applications across commercial vessels, energy-efficient small craft and autonomous surface vessels.

We are looking for a partner interested in jointly shaping the R&D programme and preparing a competitive POLNORIS proposal, rather than merely providing subcontracted research services.