Experimental uncertainty of a physical model of a tanker moored to a terminal in a port

This paper presents the uncertainty modelling of experimental results for a physical model of a tanker moored to a terminal inside a port. The physical model was built for an oil terminal at the port of Leixões in Portugal. The model incorporates the new modified port layout, as well as a future 300 m extension of the port outer north breakwater to enhance operational conditions. The physical model tests were performed on a scale of 1:80 in the Portuguese Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC). A generic mooring system of four mooring lines and two fenders is simulated using a nonlinear spring system. Decay tests are carried out to evaluate the natural periods of the moored model. Then, tests are carried out for the moored model in waves. The major aim of the experimental study is to obtain novel results for the wave elevation and direction at various locations inside the port, the ship motions at six degrees of freedom, and loads on mooring lines and fenders including the modified port layout. As the physical model measurements are subjected to different types of uncertainties, a systematic uncertainty analysis is carried out here, following ITTC guidelines and recommendations, to quantify all possible sources of uncertainties. The results are discussed, and several conclusions are reached. Based on the experimental results, the presented physical model study may replicate the results for waves and motions with uncertainties less than 9% of the significant amplitudes. The assessment of the applied nonlinear spring model reveals load predictions on the moorings, with uncertainties less than 4% of the maximum mooring loads.