Using Dynamic Positioning For Side-By-Side Cargo Transfer Operations

A rather unconventional, but nevertheless practical method is presented to keep two large ships in close proximity to allow side-by-side operations. This method is developed in the ONR - STLVAST project, in support of the sea basing concept adopted by the US Navy. This paper describes the particular application and the relevant (hydro)dynamic phenomena the feasibility of which was demonstrated using model tests and theoretical methods. Model tests were carried out with both vessels under either DP or dynamic tracking control. Full scale measurements were carried out in 2010. The results of full scale measurements demonstrated that the engineered concept was feasible.