A method for optimizing hull forms with respect to their hydrodynamic performance in calm and rough water is presented. The method is based on an initial optimization of a parent hull form for seakeeping and the improvement of the resulting optimum hull form for calm water resistance. In the first part of the method, variant hull forms differing from a parent in the main dimensions and/or in one or more hull form parameters, such as CWP, LCF, CB, LCB, KB, CP, are automatically generated and their seakeeping qualities evaluated. When appropriate ranges for the principal characteristics and parameters of the hull form under investigation are prescribed, a formal optimization procedure is used to obtain the variant with the best seakeeping behavior. The weighted sum of the resonant values of selected ship responses for a number of ship speeds and headings in regular waves forms the objective function. The Hooke and Jeeves algorithm is used to accomplish the optimization. The procedure results in a set of trends regarding the proposed variations of the selected hull form parameters, within the specified constraints. These trends are then applied on the parent hull to derive an optimized hull form with fair lines. Subsequently, this hull form can be locally modified to improve its calm water resistance or, as it should be done, its propulsion characteristics. The applicability of the method is demonstrated in two cases: a conventional reefer ship and a naval destroyer. Scaled models of the parent and the optimized hull forms have been tested for calm water resistance and seakeeping. In both cases the validity of the methodology is demonstrated.