Analyzing Mooring Forces on Vessels during Coastal Storms with DHI MIKE

Noah Johnson

Abstract

Coastal storms cause significant damage to coastal communities yearly. Property such as vessels is also frequently damaged. This work will analyze the resulting forces on a vessel from Hurricane Isaias in 2020 while moored at the Wilmington, North Carolina Port using the DHI MIKE Mooring Analysis software. Researching forces on vessels during storms can be used to assess different mooring techniques which can aid in the proper protection of ships and ports from damaging coastal hazards. Simulation environmental condition inputs included a wind speed of 26.3 meters per second, wave height of one meter, wave period of four seconds, and a water depth of 15 meters. Modeling was composed using local bathymetry data from the Wilmington Port, water level time-series data from the Wilmington, NC tide station, and vessel characteristics from a smaller cargo vessel. Simulation completion provided significant positive results as well as some port data that could be reassessed due to failure for the next simulation. Deflection in fenders never exceeded max deflection of 1.3 meters. Twelve vessel-berth lines were used to moor the vessel and passed with no critical load exceeding failure load percentage of max breaking strength. Two of the six bollards failed due to horizontal and total force surpassing the max forcing allowed. Success and failure from the simulation can aid in areas such as providing ports enhanced mooring techniques to be applied prior to coastal storms, new port layouts to minimize damage from moored vessels, and vessel design to maximize mooring efficiency and safety.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Zhangping Wei

Acknowledgment: Dr. Zhangping Wei

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Analyzing Mooring Forces on Vessels during Co_Noah Christian Johns.pdf

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Email: ncj1461@uncw.edu