Full Scale Identification Method of Four-Quadrant Hull Hydrodynamic Coefficients in Ship Manoeuvring

A new identification method of four-quadrant hull manoeuvring hydrodynamics (temporarily called a “2×LT method”), as essentially based on recording the manoeuvring motions excited by two fixed-point lateral forces, is presented in detail, including the concept formulation and simulated results (proving the method's potential). There is, namely, a significant lack of published data in this context, which are necessary e.g. to run the low-speed harbour manoeuvring and berthing simulation. This rather simple and cheap solution can be easily used for full scale ships, that are intended to be the primary field of application, where two fore and aft pushing tugs are required. Also free-running models, after installing two mobile lateral thrusters, are a successful option, though being subject to some scale effects.