Parameters such as depth of water and width of the navigable channel decisively determine the behaviour of a ship. In terms of ship hydrodynamics, ship resistance is increased in shallow water - a fact that definitely affects fuel consumption. Centuries of experience in navigating the Danube have resulted in an optimum adaptation to the existing navigating conditions. However, the continuous optimisation of hydrodynamic parameters such as design, propulsion and manoeuvrability is one of the key operation fields that aim at exploiting the potential still to be tapped in vessel design.

Hydrodynamic resistance can be minimised by adapting the hull (the design of bow and stern, for instance). On the other hand, fuel consumption is reduced by optimising the drive sections and the steering gear. Furthermore, the hull determines the identity of a ship, that is, the type of cargo that can be transported as well as the conditions under which this can be carried out. Using light construction material such as aluminium to reduce the weight of the hull has not proven useful. The new forms of construction, the so-called “sandwich systems“, are far more promising. They can be used to design and divide the various compartments of a vessel that are then to be adapted for the transport of different kinds of goods. As a result, cargo residues can be reduced or even completely eliminated.