WAVES & motions
Maritime Knowledge development RESEARCH PROGRAMME
WAVES & motions
Maritime Knowledge development RESEARCH PROGRAMME
The Waves & Motions programme studies the behaviour of ships and
structures in waves, combining seakeeping and offshore hydrodynamics and structural response. It includes the hydrodynamic safety
aspects of individual ships and the modelling of seakeeping in
digital twins.
SAFE FROM DESIGN TO OPERATION
The programme’s objective is to accurately predict motions of ships and platforms in waves. These predictions will be used to assess the safety and operability of ships and operations. Therefore, there is a clear link with the research programme on Maritime Safety.
When dealing with safety at sea, waves and the resulting motions and responses are a key aspect to investigate. Consequently, it is important to model these waves realistically and accurately in our numerical tools and experimental facilities and to quantify the response of these structures in both operational and extreme wave conditions. Operations with two or more marine structures can be extremely challenging and safe operations require careful preparations and planning. When the structures are in close proximity, the interactions between the structures need to be properly considered. For large structures, their flexibility could significantly influence their response, so this needs to be taken into account and investigated as well.
On the assessment side, determining the response in benign conditions is typically well covered with state-of-the-art simulations and model tests. Assessing extreme events is less trivial as then the statistics and responses become more irregular, and the probabilities of occurrence significantly reduce. Responses in both benign and extreme conditions drive the operational envelope of a structure. A proper assessment of this envelope could increase the operability and will enhance our confidence in the safety within the envelope.
Within the Waves & Motions programme our research focuses on the following themes:
When dealing with safety at sea, waves and the resulting motions and responses are a key aspect to investigate. Consequently, it is important to model these waves realistically and accurately in our numerical tools and experimental facilities and to quantify the response of these structures in both operational and extreme wave conditions. Operations with two or more marine structures can be extremely challenging and safe operations require careful preparations and planning. When the structures are in close proximity, the interactions between the structures need to be properly considered. For large structures, their flexibility could significantly influence their response, so this needs to be taken into account and investigated as well.
On the assessment side, determining the response in benign conditions is typically well covered with state-of-the-art simulations and model tests. Assessing extreme events is less trivial as then the statistics and responses become more irregular, and the probabilities of occurrence significantly reduce. Responses in both benign and extreme conditions drive the operational envelope of a structure. A proper assessment of this envelope could increase the operability and will enhance our confidence in the safety within the envelope.
Within the Waves & Motions programme our research focuses on the following themes:
Contact
Jule Scharnke
senior project manager
Waves & Motions | focus areas
Efficient higher order wave event generation
We continue developing methods to generate higher-order wave events both numerically and experimentally. By applying machine learning to predict wave generator flap motions, we aim to accelerate and improve the generation of extreme wave conditions. The training dataset will be expanded with additional sea states and measurement locations. We also further integrate our numerical tools with our facilities and continue developing our in-house software WAVE2FLAP, supported by an expanding international collaboration network.
Efficient higher order wave event generation
We continue developing methods to generate higher-order wave events both numerically and experimentally. By applying machine learning to predict wave generator flap motions, we aim to accelerate and improve the generation of extreme wave conditions. The training dataset will be expanded with additional sea states and measurement locations. We also further integrate our numerical tools with our facilities and continue developing our in-house software WAVE2FLAP, supported by an expanding international collaboration network.
Validity, applicability and accuracy of frequency-domain seakeeping prediction methods
MARIN uses several frequency-domain seakeeping methods, each with specific strengths and limitations. In 2026 we will benchmark and validate these tools across various seakeeping applications and ship types. The objective is to consolidate our methods and develop clear guidelines for their use. Results will be incorporated into standardized working practices and shared through conference contributions.
Validity, applicability and accuracy of frequency-domain seakeeping prediction methods
MARIN uses several frequency-domain seakeeping methods, each with specific strengths and limitations. In 2026 we will benchmark and validate these tools across various seakeeping applications and ship types. The objective is to consolidate our methods and develop clear guidelines for their use. Results will be incorporated into standardized working practices and shared through conference contributions.
Assessment of applying non-linear hydro-structural simulations for fatigue assessment
To better include non-linear response effects in fatigue assessment, we evaluate and extend the capability of the time-domain method PANSHIP. We also explore how meaningful fatigue assessments can be achieved when only limited model test or simulation data is available.
A key approach under investigation is the Event Based Approach (Valid/EVAP), which uses data-driven methods - including machine learning - to estimate design loads for untested conditions.
A key approach under investigation is the Event Based Approach (Valid/EVAP), which uses data-driven methods - including machine learning - to estimate design loads for untested conditions.
Assessment of applying non-linear hydro-structural simulations for fatigue assessment
To better include non-linear response effects in fatigue assessment, we evaluate and extend the capability of the time-domain method PANSHIP. We also explore how meaningful fatigue assessments can be achieved when only limited model test or simulation data is available.
A key approach under investigation is the Event Based Approach (Valid/EVAP), which uses data-driven methods - including machine learning - to estimate design loads for untested conditions.
A key approach under investigation is the Event Based Approach (Valid/EVAP), which uses data-driven methods - including machine learning - to estimate design loads for untested conditions.
Development of extreme event assessment methodology for slamming applications
Building on earlier work in green water loading and fixed structures, we extend our extreme event assessment methodology towards slamming applications such as bow and stern slamming. The goal is to reliably screen and quantify slamming loads in a cost efficient manner, using available model test data for verification.
Development of extreme event assessment methodology for slamming applications
Building on earlier work in green water loading and fixed structures, we extend our extreme event assessment methodology towards slamming applications such as bow and stern slamming. The goal is to reliably screen and quantify slamming loads in a cost efficient manner, using available model test data for verification.
Assessment of IMO Second Generation Intact Stability (SGIS) failure modes
The IMO is preparing the transition to the Second Generation Intact Stability (SGIS) framework, which defines five failure modes: dead ship condition in beam seas, pure stability loss, parametric roll, extreme accelerations, and broaching.
MARIN contributes by assessing all five modes using our XMF simulation environment, CFD simulations and available model test data. The work provides feedback on the robustness of the proposed criteria and supports industry readiness for the new framework, in close collaboration with the Maritime Safety programme.
MARIN contributes by assessing all five modes using our XMF simulation environment, CFD simulations and available model test data. The work provides feedback on the robustness of the proposed criteria and supports industry readiness for the new framework, in close collaboration with the Maritime Safety programme.
Assessment of IMO Second Generation Intact Stability (SGIS) failure modes
The IMO is preparing the transition to the Second Generation Intact Stability (SGIS) framework, which defines five failure modes: dead ship condition in beam seas, pure stability loss, parametric roll, extreme accelerations, and broaching.
MARIN contributes by assessing all five modes using our XMF simulation environment, CFD simulations and available model test data. The work provides feedback on the robustness of the proposed criteria and supports industry readiness for the new framework, in close collaboration with the Maritime Safety programme.
MARIN contributes by assessing all five modes using our XMF simulation environment, CFD simulations and available model test data. The work provides feedback on the robustness of the proposed criteria and supports industry readiness for the new framework, in close collaboration with the Maritime Safety programme.
PADM – Offshore Energy Robotization
To support safer and more autonomous offshore operations, we contribute to the development of predictive models for second order wave induced vessel motions using enhanced wave radar technology. MARIN investigates Quadratic Transfer Functions (QTFs), drift force sensitivities and data-driven approaches, aiding the development and validation of models for autonomous operations in offshore wind environments.
PADM – Offshore Energy Robotization
To support safer and more autonomous offshore operations, we contribute to the development of predictive models for second order wave induced vessel motions using enhanced wave radar technology. MARIN investigates Quadratic Transfer Functions (QTFs), drift force sensitivities and data-driven approaches, aiding the development and validation of models for autonomous operations in offshore wind environments.
Waves & Motions | Market impact / market-specific R&D
Knowledge developed within the Waves & Motions research programme is directly applied in several of MARIN’s key markets. For Defence, accurate predictions of ship motions, extreme events and slamming responses are essential for safe operations in harsh environments and for ensuring platform survivability. In Transport & Shipping, our advancements in seakeeping, fatigue assessment and intact stability support more efficient, safer and more reliable vessel designs and operations. For Offshore Energy & Blue Growth, high‑fidelity wave modelling and second‑order motion prediction play a crucial role in the safe installation, maintenance and autonomous operation of offshore structures and vessels. Across these markets, our research enables better decision‑making, higher operational uptime and improved safety at sea.
SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE IN WAVES
MARIN’s in-house CFD code ReFRESCO is able to accurately calculate the wave drift loads on semi-submersibles in steep waves. This includes the prediction of the non-quadratic nature of the wave drift forces, which cannot be predicted by potential-flow based tools. The numerical results are validated based on model tests.
WAVE IMPACT RESEARCH - BREAKIN JIP
The objective of the BreaKin JIP was to get more insights on scale effects involved in wave-in-deck model tests and to take first steps towards linking wave kinematics with measured impact loads.
WIFI JIP | WAVE IMPACTS ON OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES
Improved design methods for wave impacts on offshore wind turbines.
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