Understanding how moored vessels respond to dynamic wind, wave, and current conditions is essential to port authorities, terminal operators, as well as master planners and designers. A port planner knows the efficiency of a terminal could already be decided during early port planning stages – just by looking at predicted vessel motions. There’s a way to do so even more efficiently. In the initial planning process, all kinds of dynamic impacts should be included into the picture.

Dynamic impacts to be considered during port planning

Here are three steps to ensure optimal port efficiency:

1. Consider the boundary conditions
   A port planner needs to take into account many boundary conditions, such as space for the pier operator for cargo handling, transport, facilities, as well as space needed by the vessels for bypassing and turning. Environmental aspects such as aiming for a calm harbor basin should be considered as well as breakwaters. Try to reduce currents and if possible, have the quay lying in such a direction that the wind will often push the moored vessel into the fenders. These considerations will reduce vessel motions. Smaller vessel motions mean higher terminal efficiency.
2. Apply extreme value analyses and numerical modeling
   Predictions for wind conditions and different kinds of waves and currents in a port can be made by using long-term measurements and numerical modeling, which affect berthing conditions. For example, long period waves (swell, long fetch lengths, passing vessels) can reduce the operability of terminals. Combined with extreme value analyses, a port planner would know how often each condition is likely to occur.
3. Conduct dynamic mooring analyses
   The data above should be used directly in dynamic mooring analyses, which provides vessel motions, line, and fender forces. With such a tool, meteorological and hydrodynamic data in a test matrix can be combined freely. The impact of passing vessels can be incorporated, and one takes into account that waves and currents can be very different over the entire vessel length.

So how can mooring analysis be done even more quickly and accurately?

The answer lies in a quick tool that allows the testing of an entire matrix in a batch, enabling precise insight into vessel motions that need to be expected in the port design. This tool helps in predicting port downtimes and has the ability to test different considerable designs. It allows you to improve the efficiency of your port by selecting the design that gives the lowest downtimes.

The dynamic mooring analysis software MIKE 21 MA features a straightforward and user-friendly interface that anyone can learn to use

What can be achieved with MIKE 21 Mooring Analysis (MA):

• Safe and efficient cargo handling operations - Check mooring configurations under extreme conditions to ensure the safety of a berthed vessel.
• A flexible tool for ongoing planning and operation - Marine pilots and operators can quickly check on the safety of the applied mooring system under present conditions.
• Reduced downtime and operational costs - Save costs by identifying adverse conditions for operations in open seas and ports in advance.
• Optimization of mooring and fender arrangements - Test and improve mooring arrangements and simply select the solution that works best.

For more information on MIKE 21 Mooring Analysis, visit DHI’s website.

By Stefan Leschka