Dynamic Positioning of Large Tankers at Sea
Conference/JournalOffshore Technology Conference (OTC), Houston, Texas, USA
Date1 May 1986
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.4043/5208-MS
In this paper, an unconventional dynamic positioning (DP) system is introduced which is relatively simple from the point of view of the thruster layout and, by virtue of the same thruster layout, automatically positions the vessel in a favorable heading relative to the environment.
This system, which in principle is based on thrusters installed only at the forward (or aft) end of the vessel, possesses automatic weathervaning properties i.e. the DP system itself does not control the heading as this is governed by the environmental conditions. The stable equilibrium heading of the vessel is consistent with the minimum power heading.
The basic principles of the system are explained and results of an extensive series of model tests giving insight in the capabilities of this type of DP system applied to a 200,000 DWT tanker are presented and discussed. The model tests cover a range of realistic sea conditions likely to be regarded as limiting conditions for offshore loading operations.
Such conditions include irregular waves, wind and current. For one test irregular cross-sea conditions combined with wind and current were generated. A number of tests were devoted to investigating stand-by sea conditions and the effects of fast changes in wind direction. The latter tests give insight in the reactions of the DP system to sudden variations in the environmental conditions as can occur, for instance, in cyclone prone areas.
The results of the model tests confirm that it is possible to DP a large tanker in operational conditions using a simple thruster layout and a relatively small amount of installed power.
This paper is copyrighted material and cannot be shared. Due to copyright policy MARIN is not allowed to reproduce and distribute papers written for and presented at the OTC (Offshore Technology Conference), ISOPE (International Ocean and Polar Engineering Conference) and SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers). You can order these papers through
www.OnePetro.org.
For this specific paper see: www.onepetro.org/conference-paper/OTC-5208-MS.
This system, which in principle is based on thrusters installed only at the forward (or aft) end of the vessel, possesses automatic weathervaning properties i.e. the DP system itself does not control the heading as this is governed by the environmental conditions. The stable equilibrium heading of the vessel is consistent with the minimum power heading.
The basic principles of the system are explained and results of an extensive series of model tests giving insight in the capabilities of this type of DP system applied to a 200,000 DWT tanker are presented and discussed. The model tests cover a range of realistic sea conditions likely to be regarded as limiting conditions for offshore loading operations.
Such conditions include irregular waves, wind and current. For one test irregular cross-sea conditions combined with wind and current were generated. A number of tests were devoted to investigating stand-by sea conditions and the effects of fast changes in wind direction. The latter tests give insight in the reactions of the DP system to sudden variations in the environmental conditions as can occur, for instance, in cyclone prone areas.
The results of the model tests confirm that it is possible to DP a large tanker in operational conditions using a simple thruster layout and a relatively small amount of installed power.
This paper is copyrighted material and cannot be shared. Due to copyright policy MARIN is not allowed to reproduce and distribute papers written for and presented at the OTC (Offshore Technology Conference), ISOPE (International Ocean and Polar Engineering Conference) and SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers). You can order these papers through
www.OnePetro.org.
For this specific paper see: www.onepetro.org/conference-paper/OTC-5208-MS.
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manoeuvring and nautical studiesstability, seakeeping and ocean engineeringwaves, impacts and hydrostructuralcfd developmentcfd/simulation/desk studiesmeasurements and controldata sciencetime-domain simulationsdynamic positioningrenewablesoil and gasinfrastructuremarine systemslife at seamodel testingmooring and offloadingmotionssimulationswaves & motionsoffshore engineering