PIANC young professional seminar: developments in the maritime engineering sector

Henry Cruickshank

Dynamic modelling of a triple banked LNG mooring arrangement

The shortage of LNG Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) has led to the development of floating regasification units/barges (FRUs) moored alongside floating storage units (FSUs). In some cases, this requires a triple banked mooring system when the FSU is subsequently resupplied from a LNG carrier moored alongside. In a recent project, a fully dynamic mooring study used HR Wallingford’s world-class mooring analysis software, SHIPMOOR, to assess the suitability of such a triple banked arrangement in India. With the terminal exposed to a combination of monsoon winds and swell waves, the work was carried out to optimise the terminal design to minimise operational downtime.

Valentine Ugbene

A review of floating breakwater options

During a recent study for a UK Marina, Valentine explored the options for selection of breakwater technologies for marinas reviewing bespoke designs and proprietary products to compare and contrast solutions. Site constraints and wave climates are key parameters in the assessment, however the opportunity to embrace both new technologies and environmental enhancements open up opportunities which engineers, developers and harbor operators should review.

Ignacio Barranco

Physical modeling of beach protection in remote locations.

The primary goal of the project was to mitigate beach erosion and preserve access to an adjacent pier. The design journey incorporated insights gained from physical modeling conducted at HR Wallingford, featuring the testing of 8 distinct protection approaches. Throughout the presentation, Ignacio will emphasize the process, techniques, and obstacles encountered during the physical modeling process. Moreover, Ignacio will underscore the tangible benefits and real-world applicability of employing physical models to validate and enhance the design of coastal protection strategies.

Ryan Horrocks

Marico Marine - navigational safety for the world’s largest offshore wind farm.

In May of 2021, a prolific Swedish wind farm development company, OX2, approached Marico Marine, requesting their assistance to provide navigation safety advice for an application to build world’s largest offshore wind farm, Aurora, in Swedish waters. With Sweden being in the early stages of offshore wind, OX2 wanted to take a progressive approach towards the allocation of safety distances between offshore wind farms and shipping lanes. Ryan explored multiple international recommendations on the designation of safety distances including Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 654 in the UK (2021), PIANCs MarCom WG Report n° 161 (2018), and Dutch recommendations as mentioned within the White Paper on Offshore Wind Energy (2014). Ryan used the analysis of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) data vessel traffic, mariner expertise and key legislation/recommendations to produce unique reports that supported OX2s applications for shorter safety distances while maintaining navigational safety.

Oliver Millar

At 199 years old and, remarkably, still afloat HMS Unicorn is a rare survivor of the Georgian navy. Oliver Millar will explain his work supporting HMS Unicorn’s long-term conservation by assisting the Unicorn Preservation Society through the Conservation Gateway to secure grant funding for work on the ship. The process involved a comprehensive options study, effective stakeholder engagement and a structured decision-making process. Oliver helped to develop plans for the ship's future together with a strategy for ongoing management of the vessel.