Numerical modelling and validation of seakeeping performance of a fishing vessel

Seakeeping performance prediction is a traditional naval architecture capability, but it remains a challenging task due to the complexities of underlying physics. The combination of vessel speeds, hull geometry and various marine environmental conditions contribute to the complexity of seakeeping analysis for Atlantic Canadian fishing vessels. This paper investigates the seakeeping performance of a fishing boat using two different 3D panel codes, ANSYS-AQWA and ShipMo3D. The simulation results from both numerical tools were validated with the physical model test data, specifically at representative speeds and headings. Response amplitude operators (RAO) for heave, roll and pitch were investigated first, and the motion responses under irregular waves were assessed using root mean square (RMS) values. It was confirmed from the comparison study that the simulation results from both numerical tools agreed well with the model test results and proved to be an appropriate tool for an Atlantic fishing boat with a relative short and wide hull shape (i.e., a low length/beam ratio). The validated models were then utilized to predict the seakeeping performance of the fishing vessel at different advancing speeds, wave conditions and headings. Using the results, the overall seakeeping performance of the vessel was evaluated and discussed in detail in the paper. This work confirms that numerical models can be utilized at the early stage of designing a fishing boat for assessing the operational risk under various conditions and different speeds.