SEAMAN Simulations
All simulation work done by SSPA is using the SEAMAN software as simulation core. SEAMAN is fully owned and developed by SSPA. SEAMAN is a software used for dynamic simulation of ship motions in 4 or 6 degrees of freedom in the time domain or for quasi-static simulations in up to 4 degrees of freedom.
Both seakeeping and manoeuvring performance can be studied including effects of wind (incl. gust), waves (both 1st and 2nd order), current, shallow waters, canals, squat, banks, ship interaction, misc. equipment such as high efficiency rudders, bow thrusters, azimuth propulsion, moorings, anchors, etc.
The basic calm water manoeuvring simulation model is described by Norrbin (1970) and later developments by Ottosson and Byström (1991) and Ottosson (1994). The wind loads are based on systematic wind tunnel tests as presented by Isherwood (1973), while the wind gust model is based on Davenport (1978). The wave loads are based on publications by Kaplan and Raff (1972), Faltinsen and Loken (1978) and Gerritsma and Beukelman (1971). Bank effects are accounted for in SEAMAN by use of a semi-empirical model based on model tests performed at SSPAs facilities and regression analysis and presented in Da-Qing (2000).
Shallow water effects on manoeuvring including squat is based on work by Norrbin (1970) and regression analysis performed on model tests results within the SWABE Joint Industry Project (Shallow Water and Bank Effects), performed at SSPAs facilities. In general, the results from the JIP are confidential but a small portion is presented in Allenström et al. (2009). Participants in the JIP were, among others, the following Korean shipyards; DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd., HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD, SAMSUNG HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. and STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
The SEAMAN software is designed in order to provide for great flexibility working with the simulation model. That allows for quick adaption to conclusions and decision made during a simulation session. SEAMAN is continuously developed and verified based on results and experiences from model tests and simulation studies carried out at SSPA.
Illustration
Manoeuvring and seakeeping simulations, and the importance of high-quality data
Simulations are an efficient tool for gaining valuable insights for decision-making. To perform high-quality ship simulations, high-quality input data is required. Without good input data, the output from the simulations will not be a reliable source of support for decision-making. Thanks to SSPA’s test facilities, and the development and use of CFD, we have access to extremely good data which supports the simulation models in the SEAMAN Simulation toolbox.
SEAMAN Online – taking availability and flexibility to the next level
The phrase “Repetitio est mater studiorum” or “Repetition is th e mother of learning” was the starting point for the SEAMAN Online™ development. Requested by clients who wanted to provide their staff or students with unlimited access to a manoeuvring training environment, SEAMAN Online is the world’s first web-based professional maritime manoeuvring training simulator.
Advanced maritime operations in civil engineering
The railway bridges in Stockholm city centre are to be replaced. Needless to say, this is a very sensitive operation and the STA wanted to acquire as much information about the problem as possible, as early as possible. One way of managing the impact of the operation on traffic was to transport and install the bridges over water. SSPA used its know-how of maritime operations and state-of-the-art simulation tool.
Port of Rotterdam maneuvres in the simulator lab gives higher accessibility for large tankers
SSPA was contracted by the Port of Rotterdam to improve the maneuverability for large tankers at the Port and to optimize dredging requirements to improve accessibility for large tankers into the Botlek area.
SEAMAN simulations improve fairway, port planning and design
Designing a new port, or modifying an existing one, are complicated processes involving many stakeholders and even more fields of expertise. Using the expertise of mariners, infrastructural planners, logistics experts, environmental experts and a few dozen more fields of expertise these projects are truly a multi-disciplinary endeavor.
City planning using the SEAMAN simulation tool
SSPA is contributing to the design process of the new bridge, Hisingsbron, being built in the city of Gothenburg. It is doing this using the SEAMAN simulator. Clients such as the Gothenburg city architect, the design team from COWI and stakeholders from the shipping industry have been able to evaluate the bridge to be built.