Simulation of ship maneuvering in a confined waterway using a nonlinear model based on optimization techniques

In this paper, a numerical model was developed to predict ship maneuvering in a confined waterway using a nonlinear model with optimization techniques to accurately identify the hydrodynamic coefficients involved. First, an identification procedure based on sensitivity analysis and multi-objective optimization was performed to identify the optimal hydrodynamic coefficients for an Esso Bernicia 190,000 DWT tanker. Then, these optimized coefficients were used to predict the ship maneuvering in the confined waterway. The sensitivity of the ship trajectory, heading angle, forces acting on the hull etc. to the bank effect was studied for various initial ship-bank distances and propeller rates of turn. Thus, two fitting formulas were proposed to quantitatively evaluate the appearing of the critical turning phenomenon.