Maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register and Singaporean shipyard Keppel have joined forces in a bid to improve safety and performance of new semi-submersible designs.
The undertaking, which will be co-funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, will make use of LR’s ‘NewWave’ simulation tool and Keppel’s in-house semi-submersible model test data to develop the ‘Numerical Wave Basin’, a numerical simulation tool which will be used to predict behavior of semi-submersibles in extreme waves.
LR’s Global Technology Centre in Singapore and Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre (KOMtech) will be working on this joint research and development project (JDP).
Michael Chia , Managing Director of Keppel Offshore and Marine Technology Centre, said: “In this partnership with LR, we will utilise state-of-the-art numerical modelling capabilities to provide more effective analysis to improve semi-submersible designs, thereby helping to ensure safer operations in deeper waters and harsher environments.”
“By using innovative digital technology and high performance computing to push the conventional design boundaries, we are able to work with industry to improve safety, accuracy and new approaches to product development and validation,” commented Piet Mast , Regional Marine Director, LR.
The accurate prediction of motion and air gap requirements, between maximum wave height and the underside of a platform deck, for the design of deep water semi-submersible platforms for operations in harsh environments and extreme weather conditions is crucial, LR further stated.
According to the company, the new computation method will allow a fast and efficient way to simulate various ocean states which are often complex and difficult to define numerically due to their irregular wave patterns, strong non-linearity and non-Gaussian statistics.