Damage stability characteristics of model RO/RO ferries

The paper reports on experimental investigations which have been made on fo ur model RO/RO ferries. One of these was based on a 1/100th scale model of the Herald of Free Enterprise. Two of the other models were modified versio ns of the Herald of Free Enterprise, which were so modified that they did n ot decrease the efficient concept of the vehicle throughput of a convention al vessel. The tests revealed that the capsize times of these modified RO/R O Vessels were increased by 350% for one vessel and 500% for the other vess el. The modified vessels should meet SOLAS 90 + 50 regulations. A fourth mo del was fitted with two equally spaced transverse bulkheads. This model als o had good damage stability characteristics. The paper also summarizes the history of some of the past RO/RO ferry disasters.