Challenging wind and waves Linking hydrodynamic research to the maritime industry
Challenging wind and wavesLinking hydrodynamic research to the maritime industry
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Pro-active response to market needsBy feeding back the results of advanced research
programmes into commercial projects, MARIN has created
a powerful synergy with the maritime industry. This industry
is being confronted with shorter cycle times and increasing
global competition in challenging environmental and
economic conditions. By becoming involved in projects as
early as possible, MARIN can help meet these challenges.
Our customers include commercial ship builders, fleet
owners, navies, naval architects and offshore companies
the world over.
A dual missionWe have a dual mission: to provide industry with innovative
design solutions and to carry out advanced research for the
benefit of the maritime sector as a whole. In this way, we
strengthen the link between academic research and market
needs. It is a unique interaction that benefits all parties
concerned. The driving force behind this dual mission is a
team of highly motivated and experienced people. MARIN
is innovative, independent and above all, reliable.
MARIN has been expanding the
boundaries of maritime understanding with
hydrodynamic research for over
80 years. Today, this research is applied
for the benefit of Concept Development,
Design Support, Operations Support
and Tool Development. The services
incorporate a unique combination of
simulation, model testing, full-scale
measurements and training programmes.
Reliable, independent and innovative MARIN, the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands, has become a reliable, independent and innovative service provider for the maritime sector and a contributor to the well being of society. We take initiative to couple our own expertise to various application areas to broaden our ability to solve problems. By maintaining our leadership position in hydrodynamic and nautical research and development, we make our accumulated know-how and experience available for Concept Development, Design Support, Operations Support and Tool Development. This commitment to high-quality techno-logical innovation enables you to meet the challenges facing your industry today.
Meeting the Industry’s Needs
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We extend boundaries by supporting the
entire design process – from validating
initial ideas to measuring the performance
of finished products. The shipyard, designer
or architect retains overall responsibility
for a project, while MARIN provides
complementary skills and expertise where
required. Regardless of the degree of
support, customers gain access to the
extensive know-how, experience and
facilities available within MARIN.
Concept Development - ‘exploring possibilities’ Concept Development involves taking a ship, offshore
construction or a harbour project from its concept
specifi cations to a design ready to be taken to the next
level. Together with naval architects and designers, we
evaluate the specifications, identify limitations, make
recommendations for improvement, and then provisionally
verify the key para meters using computer simulation and
elementary testing techniques. We look at propulsion
performance, motion optimisation, structural response,
manoeuvrability and safety, and draw on experience
gained in operational performance research programmes.
Design Support - ‘interacting to achieve perfection’Starting with a validated specification, Design Support
helps arrive at a solution. Because of time and commercial
pressures in the development of ship or offshore construc-
tions, we interact closely with the customer’s design team,
and assure swift simulation and modelling. The design is
refined using state-of-the-art facilities and tools. We consider
life-time performance parameters like speed, manoeuvrability,
motions and loads as well as safety and legal requirements.
By simulating performance, considerable savings can be
made in future operational and maintenance costs.
Operations Support - ‘improving performance’Once built, a ship or offshore construction may benefit from
MARIN’s expertise through Operations Support. From crew
training using state-of-the-art simulators to on-board measure-
ments, the design is optimised in service. Operations Support
ensures the ship does what it is designed for with the utmost
safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. If it fails to meet
expectations, we carry out full-scale investigations and analysis.
Results from model tests and computer simulations obtained
from Design Support are cross-referenced with actual measure-
ments. This process helps MARIN to validate its modelling
techniques to ensure they represent full-scale performance.
Tool Development - ‘making know-how accessible’ Developing software and hardware tools for use in the design
and operational verification of ships, offshore constructions and
harbours is an area in which MARIN draws heavily on its know-
ledge resources from both research and commercial projects.
Projects range from tools for calculating specific performance
parameters to custom computer modelling for design verification.
Training simulators for crew and harbour personnel, custom
on-board measurement equipment and commercial software
modules for maritime applications are further examples of how
MARIN uses its know-how to support the industry.
Extending Boundaries
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To fulfil its design and verifica-
tion services, MARIN has an
exceptional range of model
testing, computer simulation,
full-scale measurement and
training facilities. The synergy
between these activities is the
basis of our problem solving
capacity, aiming at a reliable
prediction. We have seven
tank facilities available to
solve specific design and
research issues.
Providing Exceptional Facilities
Offshore BasinThe Offshore Basin (10.2 m deep) is a
realistic environment for testing offshore
models. Its current generation system
allows different vertical current profiles.
Combined wind, waves and swell are
generated using wave generators on
both sides of the basin and a movable
windbed. A movable floor allows testing
from shallow to deep water, while a
30 m deep pit is available for ultra
deep water testing.
High-speed BasinWith its strong carriage and long length
(220 m), the High-speed Basin is an ideal
test facility for testing high-speed vessels
but also for testing risers at high Reynold’s
numbers. The performance of high-speed
vessels with conventional propellers, water
jets or hybrid solutions can be optimised.
Tests are conducted in ahead and in
astern wave conditions. A special set-up
is available for forced oscillation tests to
study vortex-induced vibrations (VIV).
Seakeeping and Manoeuvring BasinVerifying performance and safety requires
accurate representation of a ship and
its ride control elements in relevant
wave conditions. Our Seakeeping and
Manoeuvring Basin (170 x 40 m) is
designed for making arbitrary (high-speed)
manoeuvres in realistic waves from arbitrary
directions. The free-sailing or captive tests
provide insight into the seakeeping and
manoeuvring characteristics.
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Shallow Water BasinThe depth of the Shallow Water Basin
(220 x 15.75 m) is adjustable from 0 to
1.15 m. It is used to optimise the
propulsion characteristics of ships as
well as the (low speed) manoeuvring
behaviour in shallow water. This including
factors like proximity of quays and bank
suction. The test can be used as input
for simulations which help to optimise
nautical strategies. The facility is also
used for Concept Development and
Design Support of new offshore designs
in shallow water.
Depressurised Wave BasinModels of both ships and offshore
structures can be tested in most realistic
operational conditions in the Depressurised
Wave Basin (240 x 18 x 8 m). The basin
can be used for resistance and propulsion
tests. The capability to reduce ambient air
pressure as low as 2,5% of atmospheric
pressure and installed wave makers for
short and long crested waves up to 0.75 m,
makes it ideal for investigations into
cavitation, air chambers and wave impacts
with air entrapment.
Cavitation TunnelThe Cavitation Tunnel tests a range of
propulsor designs. Large propellers can
be tested at high Reynolds numbers to
predict accurate cavitation behaviour.
A tunnel loop is available to test the
performance and cavitation properties
of water jet impellers. Observation with
high-speed cameras enables detailed
cavitation flow investigations.
Deepwater Towing TankThe Deepwater Towing Tank (252 x 10.5 x
5.5 m) is used to optimize resistance and
propulsion characteristics of ship designs.
To provide insight in the possible improve-
ments in performance the tank has the
features to measure various wave and
flow patterns. In addition to the standard
resistance and propulsion tests the rudder
or pod angle, pod position and propeller
rotation direction can be optimised.
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Full-mission Bridge SimulatorsBy simulating the port environment and
the vessel, personnel such as captains,
pilots, mooring masters and tug masters
can demonstrate the feasibility of a port
layout in terms of safety and viability.
Full-mission Bridge Simulators are also
used for reducing risk and downtime in
(offshore) operations by training manoeuvring
and communication skills, or by optimising
manoeuvring strategies, port layouts and
vessel designs.
CFD SoftwareComputational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools
provide a cost and time effective method
for optimising the design in the early
design phase or addressing scale effects.
MARIN uses CFD tools to optimise hydro-
dynamic hull design, provide information
about flow behaviour around hull and
propeller under various conditions, and
predict propeller performance in open
water and in-behind conditions.
Ship Trial InvestigationsMARIN not only conducts sea trial measure-
ments but also performs in-situ analysis
of vibration and cavitation properties by,
for example, high-speed video observation
of propellers while recording dynamic hull
pressures and vibrations. Laser Doppler
and acoustic Doppler technology are used
to investigate flow patterns around the
hull. Slamming and whipping, and their
contribution to (fatigue) loading of the
vessel, are also investigated.
In combination with the model
tank facilities, MARIN uses
simulation software, full-scale
testing and training. This
strong combination is used to
achieve reliable prediction of
the performance in the design
phases but also to improve
and ensure the optimal
operational use of the ship
or structure.
Simulating Reality, Measuring Results
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Offshore Monitoring SystemsContinuous recording of dynamic behaviour
of offshore platforms is critical for operational
support, design feedback and verification
of numerical methods. The MARIN data
acquisition system accommodates sensor
sets for motion, hull strains, mooring and
riser tensions and VIV motions. System
control and results are accessible through
the Internet for a global service approach to
the offshore and shipping industry.
VTS SimulatorVessel Traffic Services (VTS) are the
acknowledged starting point for effective
vessel traffic management systems in ports
and busy shipping traffic lanes. The MARIN
VTS Simulator facilitates personnel training
and explores the future management
of large traffic flows in ports avoiding
congestion and improving the port’s safety,
security and viability (efficiency).
Offshore Multi-body SoftwareThe Offshore Multi-body tools simulate
operations at sea, including coupled mooring
analysis, dynamic positioning, multiple
body simulations during offshore lifting or
offloading. These capabilities can be linked
to each other, for example, to determine
dynamic positioning capabilities during
offshore lifting. This type of tool is always
based on the model basin experience of
MARIN, ensuring validation remains a top
priority.
Dynamic Stability Simulation SoftwareThe dynamic stability of ships in waves
and wind is investigated during early
design stages using programs that
also performs risk assessment into long-
term survivability of (damaged) ships.
These programs simulate the behaviour
of a steered ship subjected to wave and
wind conditions, and can predict large
motion phenomena such as capsizing,
broaching, surf riding, parametric roll and
ingress of water. This also has applications
in forensic research.
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It was MARIN’s long-standing relationship with Finish shipyard,
STX Europe, that led to its early involvement in the design
and development of the world’s largest cruise liner: Royal
Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas. Measuring over
225,000 gross tons the challenge was to meet the stringent
performance requirements set for this 360 metre-plus, revo-
lutionary vessel, to ensure safety, comfort and efficiency.
Flexural response in seaway It was important to quantify and judge the slamming-induced
flexural response of the ship early on. Wave-induced impact
pressures were measured on large 12 metre models using
seventy pressure gauges. By associating each pressure with
an area and orientation, STX Europe was able to use the
resulting data to produce dynamic, finite-element calculations
on the structural vibrations. These calculations were compared
to the shipyard’s continuous measurements at sea on a simi-
lar, but smaller, cruise liner, and the correlation was excel-
lent. The results were also validated successfully against the
direct measurements of a segmented, 7-metre, free-sailing
model. In this model, the vertical and horizontal 2- and
3-node bending modes and first torsion mode, were mod-
elled with a ‘simple’, flexible backbone. Slamming-induced
passenger discomfort, flexural response and global horizontal
& vertical bending and torsion moments were all measured.
Manoeuvrability With frequent calls to harbours, tight bays and restricted
channels, the gigantic Oasis was obliged to be as responsive
as any normal sized cruise liner. Large-scale model testing and
MARIN’s computer simulation tools were used to evaluate this.
Measurements determined the effect on Oasis of 60MW
main propulsion power and 22MW bow thruster power,
and a channel was modelled in MARIN’s Shallow Water Basin
to mimic real life. With fast-time simulations, manoeuvring
capability was tested for 20 harbours. Personnel also carried
out critical manoeuvres in confined waters on the Full-mission
Bridge Simulator. MARIN’s Seakeeping & Manoeuvring Basin
was used to perform free-sailing model tests to determine
manoeuvrability at cruising speeds.
Vibration Customer comfort is paramount to any cruise line, and the
propeller is always of vital concern. Propeller-induced pressure
pulses can send vibrations throughout a vessel structure, and
with this in mind, MARIN teamed up with Oasis’s propeller
designer to optimize the design, both for comfort and
efficiency. The resulting design was put through its paces
in MARIN’s Depressurised Towing Tank which modelled the
entire ship, and checked on cavitation behaviour and
induced pressure pulses. Specific criteria were developed to
check if the propeller-induced forces on the hull were
acceptable or not. And to verify the stringent requirements
for Oasis, full-scale measurements were carried out.
Speed and fuel consumption Efficiency is more important today than ever before. MARIN’s
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools were employed to
streamline Oasis’s hull and appendages, and performance
was validated and fine-tuned using model testing. MARIN
was also able to build on its broad experience with other
pod-propelled cruise liners, utilising an already researched,
pod scale-effect correction method for Oasis.
The commitment of Royal Caribbean International, STX
Europe and the engineering team, to optimize the design
and build of Oasis of the Seas, has yielded unprecedented
results, and MARIN is honoured to have been involved. The
project demanded state-of-the-art numerical optimisation
tools and advanced measurement techniques – attributes
for which MARIN has become renowned.
But there is no better proof of the success of this project
than the ship itself. Oasis of the Seas has achieved positive
passenger feedback ever since her maiden voyage, and is
noted for her stability and performance.
Working Practices, Doing Business (1)
Oasis of the Seas
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Final trials verified the results from MARIN simulation and model experiments
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The Offshore Basin’s 30 metre deep pit enables TLP testing at full tendon length
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Working Practices, Doing Business (2)
Tension Leg Platforms (TLPs)
The first TLPs were tested at MARIN in the early 1980s.
After the current Offshore Basin, with its deep pit, was put
into operation, MARIN’s level of knowledge and experience
with this type of structure increased exponentially. Many
complex hydrodynamic phenomena play a role in the
design of TLPs, such as non-linear wave loads, dynamic
tendon loads, vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) and vortex-
induced motions (VIM), relative wave motions and
possible deck impacts. MARIN’s broad range of services
and expertise covers all these aspects. As a result, we
have welcomed many TLPs for testing at our facilities in
the past decade, including the Snorre, Okume, Shenzi,
Pony and Big Foot TLPs.
Unique model testing capabilitiesThe Offshore Basin is a unique model testing facility with
state-of-the-art capabilities for simulating waves, currents
and wind. The basin’s 30 metre deep pit is of particular
importance for the model testing of deep-water TLPs
because it enables the full TLP mooring system to be
tested without having to truncate the tendons. Simulating
the full tendon length is essential for TLPs as it means
that important aspects such as platform set-down and
air-gap can be modelled correctly.
Extreme wave loadsModel testing of TLPs often includes tests in extreme
environments. This requires knowledge of extreme wave
conditions, as well as the ability to realistically scale these
extreme wave conditions in the model basin. Measuring
relative wave motions, air-gap and deck impact loads
reliably is a complex task that requires an integrated design
of the model and its instrumentation. In-house 3D CAD
software enables MARIN to accurately design and construct
the most complex platforms in great detail. In addition,
high-speed video recording and computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) are used to understand complex flow phenomena
around and between the platform’s columns.
Current loads and VIMIn strong currents a TLP may show vortex-induced motions
(VIM), which can play an important role in designing the
platform. VIM manifests itself based on the current velocity,
current direction and natural periods of the platform. MARIN
has developed a special set-up for VIM tests on TLPs by
using ultra-low-friction, air-lubricated bearings to apply
vertical pretension to the model. This approach means that
VIM tests can be conducted in a towing basin with a
perfectly constant current, while at the same time the
correct platform mass and displacement can be maintained.
Research into the possibility of calculating VIM using CFD
is still ongoing.
Full-scale measurementsMeasuring platform motions, structural loads, and tendon
and riser tensions on board an offshore structure requires
specialised knowledge and equipment. MARIN provides the
services required to monitor platforms over their operational
lifespan. A case in point is the Marco Polo TLP, on which
MARIN successfully recorded extreme conditions resulting from
phenomena such as hurricane Ivan and loop current events.
Besides these activities, MARIN is also dedicating a number
of research projects to issues related to the hydrodynamics
of TLPs. These projects include the Current Affairs Joint
Industry Project, which focuses on the current loads on
offshore structures, the ComFLOW Joint Industry Projects,
through which a tool for volume of fluid (VOF) calculations
was developed, and the ongoing development of ReFRESCO,
MARIN’s in-house CFD code. Finally, the CresT Joint Industry
Project investigated the properties of extreme wave
conditions at sea and in model basins, as well as the TLP
motion response and resulting tension loads.
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forums within the framework of European initiatives and
regulations enhances interaction with customers and
with the marketplace as a whole, facilitating a broader
translation of our fundamental and theoretical know-how
into real-life applications.
Fundamental researchFundamental research and technology development is
crucial for MARIN in order to maintain a leading position
in hydrodynamics, and supporting the maritime industry
as a whole. For such extensive research, MARIN cooperates
with other institutes, universities and organizations in
the Netherlands and overseas.
Training and seminarsOther important carriers for transferring MARIN’s expertise
and knowledge are training and seminars. Courses for
designers and architects are held periodically throughout the
year. To increase interaction with the market, MARIN also
organises seminars that bring together groups of customers
with common design issues to discuss possible solutions.
Transfer of theoretic knowledge to real applications MARIN views Joint Industry Projects (JIP) as one of the most
important steps in the development, sharing and application
of knowledge. The cycle starts with the development of
fundamental knowledge and scientific research in coopera-
tion with universities. The JIP promotes the transfer of
theoretic knowledge to concrete applications in industry,
and combines customer contact, market-driven research
and the development of practical tools. Pooling resources
at a pre-competitive level, all parties enjoy the cost savings
of shared investment and benefit from research they could
not afford alone. Joint Industry Projects form a significant
part of MARIN’s business.
Cooperative ResearchMARIN’s role in the development of maritime knowledge
is shared with the market through participation in forums
such as the Cooperative Research Ships (CRS), the
Cooperative Research Navies (CRNAV) and the FPSO
Research Forum. Participating in thematic networks and
Sharing Experiences and Building Knowledge
In addition to providing commercial hydro-
dynamic design and verification services to
industry and governments, MARIN’s contri-
bution to shaping tomorrow’s products also
takes place through fundamental research,
cooperative research in international networks
and Joint Industry Projects. By sharing
experiences through training and seminars
at our facility in the Netherlands, the common
knowledge base continues to grow.
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MARIN2, Haagsteeg
P.O. Box 28
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
Phone +31 317 49 39 11
Fax +31 317 49 32 45
E-mail [email protected]
Web www.marin.nl
www.marin.nl