Finite element formulation of different restoring stiffness issues in the ship hydroelastic analysis and their influence on response

► Two recognized formulations of the restoring stiffness in ship hydroelastic analysis are compared. ► The finite element method is used in order to increase accuracy of stiffness matrices. ► Geometric stiffness consists of ordinary plate buckling stiffness and two additional membrane terms. ► Response of a thin-walled barge is analyzed as an illustrative and benchmark example.