Time Domain Simulations of Side-by-side Moored Vessels - Lessons Learnt from a Benchmark Test

Time domain simulations are used extensively to assess the availability of turret moored terminals for offloading operations. The availability analysis provides a key input when assessing the economical viability of a project. In this context, it was deemed important to perform a benchmark study. Three programs have been used: AQWA-DRIFT – an ANSYS product maintained by Century Dynamics and used at SBM, LIFSIM and aNySIM both developed in MARIN. Five environments including wind, waves and current have been selected one of which with all components in-line and the remaining four with oblique wind and current. Simulations have been performed with identical input for the three programs. Results are compared statistically, but also in the time domain. Lessons learned will be discussed and areas of improvement identified.