Manoeuvrability evaluation of KVLCC2 hull in adverse weather conditions at low speeds

This study investigated the manoeuvring performance of the KVLCC2 (a large tanker) at low speeds under adverse weather conditions. The operational and environmental settings were based on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines. These guidelines determine the minimum propulsion power by reducing the power of the main engine. Numerical simulations based on seakeeping-manoeuvring coupling analysis were adopted to evaluate the manoeuvrability of the target ship using the three-dimensional Rankine panel method and Manoeuvring Modeling Group (MMG) model. To account for low-speed operation under environmental conditions, ship speed control was applied to determine the appropriate propeller revolution speed for the simulation. The manoeuvring performance was analyzed from various perspectives under irregular waves. Here, the focus was on the yaw-checking and course-keeping abilities. Manoeuvring indices were applied to compare the effects of the ship operational speed, wave peak period, and environmental heading. The simulation results validate the manoeuvrability of the ship at relatively low speeds. Overall, the observations demonstrate that the manoeuvrability of the KVLCC2 can be ensured under the operational conditions recommended by the IMO guidelines. • Seakeeping-manoeuvring coupling analysis was carried out the KVLCC2 model. • Manoeuvring in adverse seas was investigated using IMO minimum power guidelines. • The numerical simulation results for the manoeuvring operations at low speeds were validated against experimental data. • KVLCC2 maintains its yaw-checking ability at a speed of U = 2.0 knots. • At slow speeds, the ship successfully maintained a straight course.