Holtrop-Mennen Method
Holtrop-Mennen Ship Resistance and Propulsion Method · Also known as: Holtrop method, Mennen method, ship resistance prediction
The Holtrop-Mennen Method is an empirical regression-based technique for predicting total ship resistance from geometric parameters and operating conditions. Developed by Jelte Holtrop and Gert Mennen in 1982, the method decomposes total resistance into friction, pressure, wave-making, and form drag components, each estimated from ship dimensions, hull shape, and speed. Widely adopted in maritime engineering, the Holtrop-Mennen method remains the industry standard for preliminary ship design and propulsion power estimation.
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When to use it
Use Holtrop-Mennen for preliminary ship design and power estimation in the early stages when detailed design is not yet available. Ideal for fast monohull ships (patrol boats, ferries, cargo ships) in the 24–295 m length range. Deploy for feasibility studies, cost estimation, and speed/power predictions. Avoid for very slow ships (tankers with low Froude numbers), multihulls, or specialized hulls (ice-breakers, dynamic positioning vessels) where the method is less accurate.
Strengths & limitations
- Simple to apply; requires only basic ship geometry and speed; no need for complex computational fluid dynamics.
- Well-validated over a large range of ship types and sizes; extensive experimental database behind the regression coefficients.
- Provides useful estimates for early-stage design and feasibility studies when detailed analysis is impractical.
- Decomposition into physical components aids understanding of which resistance source dominates at different speeds.
- Empirical method; accuracy limited to the range of data used to develop the regression equations (24–295 m ships).
- Neglects some physical effects: trim effects, shallow water effects, rough seas, and hull fouling are not explicitly modeled.
- Assumes ship is at constant speed in calm water; does not account for dynamic conditions or maneuvering.
- Less accurate for ships outside the typical monohull form (multihulls, hydrofoils, very bluff hulls).
Frequently asked
What is the form factor k and how is it estimated?
The form factor k accounts for pressure drag due to the ship's shape; it relates form drag to frictional resistance. For typical monohulls, k is 0.10–0.20. The Holtrop-Mennen method provides equations to estimate k from the block coefficient (Cb), length-to-breadth ratio, and other hull parameters. Form factor is ship-specific and can be refined with model tests.
How accurate is Holtrop-Mennen?
For ships within the design envelope (typical monohulls, 24–295 m), accuracy is typically ±10–15% for power prediction. Accuracy is lower for unusual hull forms or operating conditions outside the data range. For preliminary design, this is acceptable; detailed designs require CFD or model testing.
Can I use Holtrop-Mennen to predict resistance in rough seas?
The method is for calm water only. In rough seas, added resistance due to waves increases power demand. Empirical methods for added resistance in waves are available (e.g., from model tests), but they are applied separately. The total power is approximately: P_total = P_calm + P_waves.
How do I account for propeller efficiency in the Holtrop-Mennen method?
The method gives required power at the propeller shaft. To find the engine power, divide by propeller efficiency (typically 0.60–0.75) and gearbox efficiency (0.95–0.98). Propeller efficiency is estimated from advanced coefficients (e.g., J, T, n) and can be predicted using propeller design methods or model tests.
Sources
- Holtrop, J., & Mennen, G. G. J. (1984). An approximate power prediction method for fast monohull ships. International Shipbuilding Progress, 29(335), 166–170. link ↗
- Holtrop, J. (2001). Ship propulsion and trim. Maritime Engineering Proceedings, 153(1), 35–42. link ↗
- Birk, L. (2019). The influence of nonlinear viscous pressure drag on ship resistance. Ocean Engineering, 171, 62–74. link ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Holtrop-Mennen Ship Resistance and Propulsion Method. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/aerospace/holtrop-mennen-method
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