FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS released a detailed case study on parametric fitting, morphing, and design exploration of the benchmark KRISO Container Ship (KCS) and KRISO Very Large Crude Carrier (KVLCC2) using CAESES.

Starting with STEP import and the Component-Based Ship Workflow, engineers created fully parametric models that accurately reproduce original hydrostatics. Free-form deformation on the KCS bulbous bow and RBF-based B-Rep morphing on the KVLCC2 aftbody, combined with Sobol sampling, generated 30+ variants each.

Integrated SHIPFLOW simulations (XPAN resistance and XCHAP self-propulsion) plus CAESES post-processing revealed speed-dependent trends: shorter bulbs reduce wave resistance at 18 knots, while fuller designs perform better at 26 knots; aftbody changes significantly affect propulsive efficiency.

Smooth morphing between KCS and KVLCC2 geometries demonstrates unified parameterisation across ship types.

The workflow enables rapid simulation-driven optimisation and data-driven insights for energy-efficient hull design.

Explore the full study, animations, and sample models.

For more information, visit https://www.caeses.com/blog/2026/kcs-kvlcc2-hulls-from-fitting-to-deformation-and-design-exploration/.