Full-scale Instrumentation and Remote Monitoring of 111m Aluminium Catamarans Operating as Passenger Ferries in the Canary Islands

<p>A systematic approach for the instrumentation of high-speed vessels is important if high quality data is required, especially if it is collected over a long duration. This paper provides an overview of a data collection exercise focusing on two identical high-speed catamarans. The collected data, comprising measurements from strain gauges, accelerometers, a Motion Reference Unit (MRU), Global Positioning System (GPS), and ship data such as speed and heading, were stored locally, and transmitted via fourth-generation wireless (4G) to a cloud server. Lessons learned during the installation process, and data recording activities as well as long-term results derived from the collected data are also presented. The dataset provides valuable insights into the performance of high-speed catamarans, including relationships between wave and operational conditions and the loads and motions of the vessel. The findings have potential implications for the design, operation and remote hull monitoring of high-speed catamarans and other similar class vessels.</p>