3-D computational method of wave loads on turret moored FPSO tankers

A three-dimensional method of calculating wave loads of turret moored FPSO (Flo ating Production Storage and Offloading) tankers is presented. The linearized restoring forces acting on the ship hull by the mooring system are calculated according to the catenary theory, which are expressed as the function of linear stiffness coefficients and the displacements of the upper ends of mooring chains. The hydrodynamic coefficients of the ship are calculated by the three-dimensional potential flow theory of the linear hydrodynamic problem for ships with a low forward speed. The equations of ship motions are established with the effect of the restoring forces from the mooring system included as linear stiffness coefficients. The equations of motions are solved in frequency domain, and the responses of wave-induced motions and loads on the ship can be obtained. A computer pro gram based on this method has been developed,and some calculation examples are illustrated. Analysis results show that the method can give satisfying prediction of wave loads.