Numerical prediction of hydrodynamic forces on a moored ship due to a passing ship

The passing ship effect on berthed vessel is a well-known problem and is studied over many years. These interaction effects induce dynamic loads in the mooring system that can exceed the design values and lead to severe accidents. A study has been conducted to analyze the effect of various parameters such as passing ship speed, separation distance, depth to draft ratio and waterway geometry on the hydrodynamic interaction effects between berthed and a passing ship. Numerical simulation for three-dimensional unsteady viscous flow have been conducted using the overset mesh methodology and solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with k-ω shear-stress transport turbulence model for various cases, and interaction effect on berthed ship have been calculated. The method recommended in this study is validated by comparing the computational fluid dynamics (numerical) results with existing model scale experiments and mathematical curves from empirical formulas. The hydrodynamic interaction forces are computed for five types of waterway geometries. The magnitude and time histories of the forces and moment on the moored ship for various cases are analyzed to evaluate the effect of various parameters such as waterway geometries and separation distance. The results and conclusions made by this study can give definite guidance on safe maneuvering of a ship passing by a moored ship