Numerical Towing Model for LNG Carrier Approach in Exposed Environment Calibrated With Full-Scale Measurements and Operability Criterion

The Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) platform is designed to offload liquefied natural and petroleum gas products to carrier vessels moored in a Side-by-Side (SBS) configuration. Prior to the mooring operation, the carrier vessel is escorted and held alongside the FLNG with the assistance of tugs connected to her bow and stern to ensure sufficient control over the vessel in this critical phase. In order to better understand the impact of environmental conditions, to determine the optimum length, strength, material and configuration of the towline stretcher, and to estimate the maximum operable environments, coupled multi-body simulations have been performed in time domain. The numerical model, which considered both the LNG carrier and the forward tug, was calibrated using full-scale measurements of tug motions and tow line tension recorded during a real approach and berthing manoeuvre at Prelude FLNG. The measured environment effects were generated numerically and the model parameters were adjusted to reproduce the recorded behavior as accurately as possible. Since actions of the tug master are difficult to model numerically and only the statistical environment parameters are known, a simplified approach has been adopted for modelling the tug propulsion and steering using a combination of static forces, stiffness and linear and quadratic damping for relevant horizontal degrees of freedom. The calibrated numerical model was first subjected to several sensitivity assessments of the modelling level (single- or multi-body, inclusion of second-order wave loads, inclusion of forward speed). Then sensitivity studies were performed to help address operational requirements related to the wave height and direction, and the stretcher length and strength. The conclusions have been taken into consideration for the selection of the tow line configurations for future operations. Finally, the calibrated coupled LNG carrier and tug model was used to derive Prelude-specific tug operability criteria that may be used for decision-making based on weather forecasts, prior to the SBS offloading operations. A large matrix of swell and wind driven waves was simulated over a range of wave heights, periods, directions and static towing forces to allow a criterion to be developed based on a stochastic extreme tow line tension. Such criterion considers relevant wave parameters while remaining simplified enough for easy use in operations. This paper describes the assumptions and process to numerically model the towing configuration and calibrate the different coefficients, discusses the results obtained for the various sensitivities, and explains the operability criteria. Important conclusions and lessons learnt are also shared.