Experimental investigation of sloshing effect on the hydrodynamic responses of an FLNG system during side-by-side operation

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study experimentally examined the effect of sloshing on the hydrodynamic responses of FLNG (floating liquefied natural gas) systems during side-by-side operation. To determine the influence of sloshing, the vessels were ballasted with solid and liquid cargo. Wave probes were installed in the tanks to determine the free-surface elevation. The results show that sloshing has a pronounced effect on the roll motion and the relative sway motion. During side-by-side operation under this liquid ballast conditions, the ranges of the roll motion and the relative sway motion were reduced. The maximum tension on the hawsers or fenders and the collision frequency of the fenders also decreased. These results indicate that under this liquid loading condition, sloshing can have a beneficial effect on the motions and the induced loads of the connected system. This information will be helpful for carrying out the numerical calculation and also for optimising the operation of FLNG systems.