Dynamic Modeling of Underway Ship-to-Ship Operations

A dynamic model for underway ship-to-ship operations with surge velocity is developed. It is admitted that one ship develops power ahead, towing the other vessel together. Models for all relevant loads involved in such operation are present, like environment, mooring, fenders and hydrodynamic interaction loads. The equations of motion take fluid memory effects and wave interaction into account. The model was implemented and simulations were carried out, focusing in the transfer phase of a STS operation. The results are used to analyze mooring lines loads, which is a useful tool for mooring schemes design.