In the last decade the focus of hydrodynamic research has been on ultra deepwater developments.

However, recent experience with the development of offshore LNG terminals has shown that the issues related to shallow water hydrodynamics are at least of similar complexity. Low frequency wave effects such as set-down and shoaling can result in significant excitation.

Streamlined LNG carrier hulls have a very low damping against low frequency vibrations. The combination of excitation and low damping can result in significant resonant motions and related mooring loads. Therefore, the development of reliable offshore terminals in shallow water requires an improved insight into the related shallow water problems.

In this context, the objective of the project is to improve the reliability of the motion and mooring prediction methods for the development of offshore LNG terminals in shallow water by investigation of key hydrodynamic issues.

HAWAI is investigating not only wave and current conditions at a number of key representative locations but also ship motions and mooring structure loads that could be expected in such environments.

Variables such as water depths, ship draughts, seabed contours and wave frequencies will also be accommodated. The project will also entail the development of model testing techniques for shallow water operational scenarios.

MJInformation No: 21924