Motion Prediction of Moored Platform Using CNN–LSTM for Eco-Friendly Operation

Predicting the motion of ships and floating structures is essential for ensuring economical and environmentally friendly operations in the ocean. In this study, we propose a hybrid encoder–decoder Convolutional Neural Network–Long Short-Term Memory (CNN–LSTM) architecture to predict motions of a moored Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel under varying sea conditions. The model integrates a CNN for spatial wave-field feature extraction and an LSTM encoder–decoder to capture temporal dependencies in vessel motion. Synthetic datasets were generated using mid-fidelity dynamics simulations of a coupled FPSO–mooring–riser system subjected to wave excitations. Five sea states ranging from calm to severe were considered to evaluate the model’s robustness. A key preprocessing step involved determining the optimal spatial domain for wave field input, and a wave field size of 600 m × 600 m was identified as the most cost-effective configuration while maintaining accuracy. The model was validated using the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) or relative RMSE (RRMSE). Despite low RRMSE values in low sea states, predictions were noisier due to high-frequency, low-amplitude responses. In contrast, higher sea states yielded more stable predictions despite higher RRMSE values. The proposed method offers high-resolution motion forecasting capability, which can enhance operational safety and energy efficiency of offshore platforms, particularly when integrated with stereo camera-based wave monitoring systems.