TECHNICAL STUDIES

Nautical Technical Studies

The TPN-USP executes the following nautical / marine studies:

  • Fast-Time / Real-Time Maneuvering Simulation

  • Nautical Layout Analysis

  • Vertical Motion Analysis and UKC Assessment

  • Mooring Analysis

  • Risk Analysis (in partnership with LabRisco - USP)

Maneuvering Simulations

TPN-USP can execute all levels of Maneuvering Simulations:

  • Fast-Time - Computer Controlled Maneuvers

  • Real Time (Single Player) - Pilot Controlled Maneuver, tugboats in vector tug mode

  • Real Time (Multi Player) - Pilot Controlled Maneuver, one manned tugboat and the others in vector tug mode

  • Real Time (Multi Player 2) - Pilot / Captain Controlled Maneuver, more than one manned tugboat, Mooring Master and Cable Control, DP Hardware in the loop

TPN-USP simulation procedures attend the recommendations from PIANC 2014 (Approach Channels - a Guide for Design) and IALA 1058 Guideline (The use of simulation as a tool for waterway design and AtoN planning).

Fast-Time Maneuvering Simulations

  • Auto-pilots algorithms represent the behavior of the pilot, controlling the ship and tugs.

  • Local pilots take part in the initial meeting, defining the maneuvering procedure that the control algorithm must mimic.

  • The maneuvers run in an accelerated mode. A large number of runs is possible.

  • The ship tracks' statistical analysis can define the optimal layout of the maneuvering area or the limiting conditions.

  • Ideal for the initial stages of the port design, layout selection and optimization, assessment of critical conditions.

Real-Time Maneuvering Simulations

  • Local pilots control the maneuver in a full-mission simulator.

  • Briefing / Debriefing discussions allow risk assessment and the evaluation of nautical aspects.

  • Tugboats controlled by the simulator operator, with a vector tug model. The support of a local tugmaster is desirable, to give information about the particularities of the area and tugboats.

  • Approximately 8~10 runs per day.

Real-Time Multi Player Maneuvering Simulations

  • Local pilots control the maneuver in a full-mission simulator.

  • The most critical tug is controlled by a tugmaster, in a tug station.

  • The communication between Pilot and Tugmaster, and the difficulties associated with the tugboat control, can be better assessed.

  • New towing techniques can be tested (indirect towing, transverse arrest, tandem mode).

  • Approximately 8 runs per day.

Real-Time Multi Player Maneuvering Simulations (2)

  • Highest level of realism, with multiple vessels / tugboats controlled by the human operators

  • Pilot / Captain Controlled Maneuver, up to 4 manned tugboats, Mooring Master and Cable Control (in case of STS), DP Hardware in the loop (in caso of DP operation)

  • Ideal for Offshore multiple vessels operations, anchored or underway STS underway

  • Approximately 6 runs per day.

Nautical Layout Analysis

  • Conceptual Analysis based on technical references: PIANC 2014 (Approach Channels - a Guide for Design) , ROM, IALA, Tug Use in Ports, etc.

  • The following aspects of navigation area can be evaluated: Channel width/depth, Bend radius, Stopping area, Harbour Entrance, Turning Basin diameter, Position/Size of Anchorage areas, Berth layout, Distance of moored vessels, etc.

  • Used in the initial stages of the port design, layout selection and optimization. Can be integrated with Fast-Time Maneuvering Simulations.

Vertical Motion Analysis and UKC Assessment

State of the art mathematical models for detailed UKC analysis considering:

  • Squat and Ship Speed

  • Wind Heeling / Dynamic Heeling

  • Ship Wave Response and Wave Propagation in Shallow/Sheltered areas

The vertical motion analysis considers Ship, Water and Bottom related factors, following PIANC (2014). The outcomes of the study are Minimum depth / Maximum draft for safe navigation, Tide Window / Downtime for tide-dependent channels, Dredging costs, etc.

Mooring Analysis

TPN-USP uses in-house code or commercial packages to execute Dynamic or Static Mooring Analysis on the various situations: Single vessels at berth, Ship-to-ship underway, at berth or at anchor

The analysis considers complex hydrodynamic effects, such as Wave Motions, Breakwater, Passing Ships and Ship-to-Ship Interaction, validated by experiments in the TPN-USP Wave Tank.

The study is used to assess the Maximum loads in the cables, bollards, and fenders, to Optimize/Design the berth and mooring equipment, to Estimate the limiting operational conditions and to Maximize the use of an existing berth (increase the ship size).