Study on the dynamics of turret moored FSRU in waves

Abstract

The motion dynamics and mooring loads of a turret moored FSRU are studied by experiments. The FSRU is moored by turret and catenary mooring lines. It can weathervane to minimize the environmental loads exerted on the body. Therefore the heading changes according to wind, wave and current. The FSRU can reach an equilibrium yaw angle and oscillate in range of large amplitude of 10 to 40 degrees in regular waves. The yaw instability is also investigated in the present study as well. The horizontal motions and mooring loads are analyzed and compared for various environmental conditions. It was confirmed that the mooring loads are strongly affected by yaw angle. Copyright ？ 2010 by The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers.