An Analysis of Basic Parameters of Ro-Pax Ferries in the Baltic Sea as Guidelines for its Preliminary Design

This paper presents results of an analysis of the operating and maneuvering parameters (length, width, draft, main propulsion power and maneuvering equipment, and windage area) of the Ro-Pax ferries over 150m in length. The analysis takes into accounts all ferries operating in the Baltic Sea in 2017. The work also includes route analysis of the collected Ro-Pax units. The influence of port infrastructure is also discussed. The mean optimal Baltic Sea Ro-Pax ferry and its parameters for short term and long term forecasts are presented. This paper may be used as a primary guideline for the determining the optimal Ro-Pax ferry dimensions size for the Baltic lines in terms of preliminary ship design.