Seakeeping assessment of fishing vessels in conceptual design stage

The main idea of this paper is to identify functional relations between seakeeping characteristics and hull form parameters of Mediterranean fishing vessels. Multiple regression analysis is used for quantitative assessment through a computer software that is based on the SQL Server Database. The seakeeping attributes under investigation are the transfer functions of heave and pitch motions and of absolute vertical acceleration at stern, while the ship parameters influencing motion dynamics have been classified into two groups: displacement (Δ) and main dimensions (L, B, T), coefficients that define the details of the hull form (C_WP, C_VP, LCB, LCF, etc.).Four multiple regression models having different parameter combinations are here investigated and discussed, giving way to the so-called ‘Simple Model’, ‘Intermediate Model’, ‘Enhanced 1 Model’ and ‘Enhanced 2 Model’. The obtained results are more than satisfactory for seakeeping predictions during the conceptual design stage.     

A parametric study on seakeeping assessment of fast ships in conceptual design stage

The paper presents an approach to investigate the effects of some parameters on seakeeping assessment of fast ships in conceptual design stage. Hull form parameters have been classified into two groups: main dimensions (L, B and T) and secondary form parameters (LCB and C_P). To demonstrate the approach a fast ship is redesigned as parent hull and alternative hull forms are generated by changing these parameters systematically. Some hull forms are selected related the geometric limits and seakeeping analyzes are here investigated and discussed. The obtained results are satisfactory for seakeeping predictions during the conceptual design stage.     

Evaluation of cross curves of fishing vessels at the preliminary design stage

The prediction of ship stability during the early stages of the design process is very important from the point of a vessel's safety. Hence, in this study, a formula is presented to estimate cross curves of fishing vessels to predict initial stability at the preliminary design stage. For this purpose, 175 fishing vessel forms have been generated from Doust trawler hull series. The predictive technique is established by regression analysis of systematically varied fishing vessel series data. The mathematical model is constructed as a function of main design parameters such as length to beam ratio L_WL/B_WL, beam to draft ratio B_WL/T, moulded depth to draft ratio D/T and block coefficient C_B. This prediction is also used to determine the effect of specific hull form parameters and load conditions on the stability of the fishing vessel. Some basic considerations on how the proposed method can be applied to a new fishing vessel are presented.     

我国战略石油储备船概念设计研究

阐述了建立我国战略石油储备的必要性，对国外石油储备状况及储备方式做了简要介绍。从我国国情出发，提出了80万m^3浮式钢结构储油船方案设计，建立了储油船整船有限元模型，利用全船三维有限元结构分析技术进行了油舱的分舱设计，供超大型储油船设计时参考。     

On the numerical prediction of seakeeping and of structural loads of high-speed vessels

The applicability of an efficient 3D numerical method for the evaluatfion of the seakeeping performance and structural loads of advanced high-speed vessels is investigated. A semi-empirical approach to account for the viscous flow effects on ship's behavior at speed is presented and discussed. Numerical results are compared with model tests for two high-speed monohull vessels with satisfactory agreement.     

Seakeeping performance of fishing vessels in irregular waves

A study of the seakeeping performance of a set of fishing vessels is carried out aiming to identify the seakeeping criteria, and vessel conditions that limit the operability of the fishing vessels in certain sea states. Ship motions and derived responses are obtained in fully developed sea states using the transfer functions of the hull forms. Those responses are assessed against the prescribed values, for the chosen criteria, to determine the vessels operational conditions that might result in hazards or seasickness. For the purpose of this study, each fishing vessel is considered operating in sea states 5 and 6, with different Froude numbers and heading angles, and their short term responses are assessed against the most relevant criteria related with the absolute and relative motions, accelerations, slamming and green water on deck. The results obtained show that roll and pitch criteria are most critical for seakeeping performance, and there is a significant influence of the transverse metacentric height, GMt, and the location of the reference checking points in the seakeeping performance of these fishing vessels.     

Stability of small fishing vessels in longitudinal waves

The dynamic stability of fishing vessels in longitudinal regular waves is investigated, both analytically and experimentally. In particular, the influence of stern shape on the parametric stability of fishing vessels is studied. Vessels TS and RS have very similar main characteristics, but their sterns are different. Although their linear responses are comparable, both analytical and experimental investigations indicate substantial differences in their dynamic stability in longitudinal regular waves. Strong resonances are found for the vessel with the deep transom. The analytical method takes into consideration the effects of the heave and pitch motions and wave passage and shows good agreement with experimental results. Stability limits are obtained for different conditions and are used as an aid in the discussion of the results obtained in the tests when relevant parameters are changed, such as wave amplitude and frequency, metacentric height and roll damping moment.     

Robust optimization for ship conceptual design

The paper presents an approach for the robust optimization of a bulk carrier conceptual design, subject to uncertain operating and environmental conditions. The uncertainties involved in the optimization process are addressed and a general formulation for robust design is given. Specifically, the uncertainties involved in the decision making process are taken into account by means of their probabilistic distributions. The expected values and the standard deviations of the relevant quantities are assessed and included in the optimization objectives, whereas the constraints are evaluated in the worst case. This leads to a robust design able to keep a good performance in the whole probabilistic operating scenario. A particle swarm optimization algorithm is used for the global minimization process, minimizing the expectation and the standard deviation of the unit transportation cost.     

A new methodology developed by cetena to assess the seakeeping behaviour of marine vessels

The paper describes an analytical method to determine an operability index for a marine vehicle when its geometric characteristics, the geographical area in which the vessel is supposed to operate, and the limiting criteria for operations are known. The computer program based on strip theory provides reliable results not only for conventional hullforms, but also for catamarans, offshore vehicles, etc. The results are presented in the form of figures for different vessels, namely, crane barge, naval vessels and SWATH type catamarans. The authors are of the opinion that the proposed method would provide the designer with a valid tool to improve the seakeeping qualities of a vessel, while taking into account the limiting conditions imposed due to seaway operations.     

Optimization of fishing vessels using a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm

A fishing boat hull is used as an example of how hull form optimization can be accomplished using a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA). The particular MOGA developed during this study allows automatic selection of a few Pareto Optimal results for examination by the designers while searching the complete Pareto Front. The optimization uses three performance indices for resistance, seakeeping and stability to modify the hull shape to obtain optimal hull offsets as well as optimal values for the principal parameters of length, beam and draft. The modification of the 148/1-B fishing boat hull, the parent hull form of the ?stanbul Technical University (?TÜ) series of fishing boats, is presented by first fixing the principal parameters and allowing the hull offsets to change, and secondly by simultaneously allowing variation of both the principal parameters and the hull offsets. Improvements in all three objectives were found. For further research the methodology can be modified to allow for the addition of other performance objectives, such as cost or specific mission objectives, as well as the use of enhanced performance prediction solvers. In addition, one or more hulls could be evaluated by experiment to validate the results of using this particular optimization approach.     

Reliability-based design optimization of an FPSO riser support using moving least squares response surface meta-models

The paper deals with the reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of a riser support installed on a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit under operation, extreme, damaged, and one line failure cases and installation loading conditions. The optimization problem is formulated such that probabilistic thickness variables described with random characteristics are determined by minimizing the weight of the riser support structure subjected to stress constraints for the given target reliability. The initial design model is generated based on actual FPSO riser support specifications. The finite element analysis is conducted using NASTRAN, and the probabilistic optimal solutions are obtained via the moving least squares method in the context of RBDO using a response surface meta-model. For the meta-modeling of the inequality constraint functions of stresses, a constraint-feasible moving least squares method (CF-MLSM) is adopted in the present study. The CF-MLSM has been shown to ensure constraint feasibility regardless of the nonlinearity of the constraint function, the feasible bounds, and the random characteristics during the meta-model-based RBDO process. The solution results from the proposed RBDO strategy present improved design performances under various riser operating conditions.     

Multilingual crews on Norwegian fishing vessels: Implications for communication and safety on board

In the last few decades, use of foreign labor in the Norwegian fishing fleet has increased. As fishing is a high-risk occupation, this article investigates a prevalent question regarding how the increased share of foreigners affects communication and safety on Norwegian fishing vessels. The article shows that multilingual crews and varying language proficiencies are not perceived by the fisheries actors themselves as risk factors in terms of safety in everyday operations. Fishing experience, hybrid language and body language compensate for language challenges and contribute to fishers' feeling of safety.     

新型深水钻井隔水管悬挂系统设计

南海海域台风频发,对于深水浮式钻井平台,常规避台模式要求回收所有隔水管,但是在深水、超深水海域,这种应对台风的方案有其局限性。据测算,水深超过1 500 m时,台风准备时间(回收所有隔水管、处理井口的作业时间)超过4天,而目前天气预报的水平只能提前4～5天,因此常规避台难度极大,经常会遭遇到还没有起完隔水管,台风已经逼近平台位置的情况,悬挂隔水管成为一种不得不面对的防台避台方案。硬悬挂和软悬挂是目前悬挂隔水管两种常见的模式,由于软悬挂能够补偿和缓解钻井船升沉施加在悬挂隔水管上的动态载荷,因此业内普遍认为软悬挂模式在提高悬挂隔水管对海洋环境的适应能力方面具有一定的优势,但是常规的软悬挂模式作业程序复杂,而且实施过程中存在伸缩节、张力器液缸等相关设备冲程超标的风险。通过对隔水管悬挂状态下横向和轴向的动力响应进行分析,确定了限制隔水管悬挂安全的主要因素,针对隔水管应力超标和转角过大、干涉等风险,设计了一种具有加装扶正器的锥形悬挂短节;针对悬挂隔水管的轴向压缩风险,研制了一种具有补偿功能的隔水管悬挂装置,降低了悬挂隔水管动态载荷产生轴向压缩和动态应力超标的风险。定量评估表明使用新型隔水管悬挂系统,可以将常规的悬挂窗口由不足10年一遇波流环境条件提高到满足100年一遇的波流环境条件,大大提高了悬挂隔水管的安全性。     

Exploration of the wind-induced drift characteristics of typical Chinese offshore fishing vessels

The drift motion of a maritime distress target is the collective result of the balance of forces that comes from wind, currents and waves. The drift properties vary from one type of object to another. The objective of this paper is to explore the leeway drift characteristics of typical Chinese offshore fishing vessels as well as evaluate the leeway drift model. First, a series of field experiments were conducted in South China Sea to provide data source. Next, nine leeway coefficients in AP98 leeway model were derived by the least square fitting based on the experimental data. Furthermore, another drifting dynamics model based on a balance of forces on the drifting vessel due to wind and currents, was also calibrated for comparison. Finally, two cases of drift trajectory and searching areas were simulated by the two different models through Lagrangian particle tracking and Monte Carlo techniques. Results indicate that the AP98 leeway model is in better accordance with the observation compared with the drifting dynamics model. Additionally, the simulation accuracy of AP98 leeway model can be improved to some extent especially when the probability of positive crosswind (POPC) is considered. Considering the large number of the typical offshore fishing vessels in South China Sea, and their high accident rate, the model coefficients for this type of vessels are expected to be implemented into more search and rescue (SAR) models by SAR organizations.     

Energy performance evaluation of fishing vessels by fuel mass flow measuring system

A new fuel consumption monitoring system was set up for research purpose in order to evaluate the energy performance of fishing vessels under different operating conditions. The system has been tested on two semi-pelagic pair trawlers in the Adriatic Sea with an engine power of around 900 kW, and with length overall of around 30 m. Both vessels work with a gear of similar design and size, the differences between the two vessels are in the propeller design and the hull material: the first with a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) and a metal hull, the second with a fixed pitch propeller (FPP) and a wooden hull. The fuel monitoring system conceived at CNR-ISMAR Ancona (Italy) consists of two mass flow sensors, one multichannel recorder and one GPS data logger. The working time duration, the vessel speed, the total fuel consumption and the instant fuel rate were logged by the system. A typical commercial round trip for a semi-pelagic trawler consists of several fishing operations (steaming, trawling sailing, etc.). Fuel consumption rate and vessel speed data were used to identify energy performance under different vessel-operating conditions. The highest fuel demands were during the trawling (130 l/h at 4.4 kn) and the steaming (100–130 l/h at 11 kn) phases. Fuel savings of up to 15% could be obtained by reducing the navigation speed of half a knot.     

A conceptual design of an underwater vehicle

The paper presents a conceptual design of an underwater star wars’ system, which will be more difficult to detect by the enemy than a recently proposed ‘surface’ star wars’ system.The paper suggests that for the proposed structures needed for the underwater star wars’ system, the material of construction should be a composite and not a metal, as use of the latter for large deep diving underwater vessels will result in such structures sinking to the bottom of the ocean like stones, due to the fact that they will have no reserve buoyancy. The paper also shows that composites have better sound absorption characteristics, thereby making the underwater structures difficult to detect through sonar equipment. It is proposed that these underwater structures should operate up to a depth of 7.16 miles (11.52 km), as at this depth, all of the oceans’ bottoms can be reached.The author shows that current technology can be used to construct and operate such vessels, but more progress needs to be made with metal matrix and ceramic composites, so that the hulls of underwater missiles and torpedoes can be constructed in these materials.     

Study of the motions of fishing vessels by a time domain panel method

In this paper, a wide variety of computed motion results is presented for three existing fishing vessels. In order to do that, time domain computations of 3D ship motions are performed with a time domain Green's function. The computational method adopted is based on a previously developed one, whose numerical scheme here is subjected to modifications that increase its robustness and overall efficiency, so that it can be applied to calculate the motions of fishing vessels. The results are then compared with simulations using WAMIT for the zero speed case, and a strip theory method is used to determine the effect of forward speed. Results are presented for head seas, quartering head waves and following waves with three distinct Froude numbers.     

A conceptual framework for the protection of vulnerable habitats impacted by fishing activities in the Mediterranean high seas

This work aims to compile knowledge on ecologically rich habitats that deserve special protection in the Mediterranean high seas. Many marine ecosystems are currently threatened by fishing activities, such as bottom trawling, gillnets and demersal and pelagic long-lines. Especially vulnerable are areas described as either sensitive habitats or essential fish habitats. Among these we highlight the associations of sessile organisms, such as cold coral reefs, mostly detected on continental slopes, seamounts and on the walls of submarine canyons, and those areas considered as hot spots of diversity and habitat of vulnerable fauna, like cold seeps, hydrothermal vents and submarine canyons. Essential habitats for pelagic species are defined by oceanographic features like productive areas associated with upwelling, and in the Mediterranean the spawning areas and migratory routes of bluefin tuna, swordfish, and albacore are of high conservation interest. We propose that in a context of difficult fisheries management in Mediterranean international waters, or high seas, these vulnerable habitats should be protected through the establishment of a web of Marine Protected Areas coordinated by all the involved countries and controlled by strict surveillance.     

Adaptive fuzzy controller design for dynamic positioning system of vessels

This paper develops an adaptive fuzzy controller for the dynamic positioning (DP) system of vessels with unknown dynamic model parameters and unknown time-varying environmental disturbances. The controller is designed by combining the adaptive fuzzy system with the vectorial backstepping method. An adaptive fuzzy system is employed to approximate the uncertain term induced by unknown dynamic model parameters and unknown time-varying environmental disturbances. It is theoretically proved that the proposed adaptive fuzzy DP controller can make the vessel be maintained at the desired values of its position and heading with arbitrary accuracy, while guaranteeing the uniform ultimate boundedness of all signals in the closed-loop DP control system of vessels. Simulation studies with comparisons on a supply vessel are carried out, and the results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.