A design procedure for a ship with minimum total resistance has been developed using a numerical optimization method called SQP(sequential quadratic programming) to search for different optimal hull forms. The frictional resistance has been estimated using the ITTC 1957 model-ship correlation line formula, and the wave resistance has been evaluated using a potential-flow panel method that is based on Rankine sources with nonlinear free surface boundary conditions. The geometry of a hull surface has been modified using B-spline surface patches, during the whole optimization process. The numerical analyses have been carried out for the modified Wilgey hull at three different speeds (Fn=0.25, 0.316, 0.408), and the calculation results were compared.