Dynamic behaviour of anchor handling vessels during anchor deployment

Abstract

Anchor handling operation (AHO) is potentially hazardous, as for instance demonstrated by the Bourbon Dolphin accident in 2007. Although the accident has been studied by various parties, there has been limited focus on the dynamic behaviour of an anchor handling vessel (AHV) during anchor deployment. In this paper, a numerical model and an analysis procedure are proposed to study the motion of the AHV and especially the influence of the tension in the mooring line. The operation is divided into stages and assumed to be stationary within each stage. The emphasis was placed on the vessel behaviour in waves, although the model and the procedure can also be used to study wind and current effects. In addition, the need for improving current practice of anchor handling operation planning in the view of the methodology outlined is discussed. Finally, the development of operational criteria for AHO is addressed.