Numerical Study on Towing Stability of LNG Bunkering Barge in Calm Water

In this paper, the towing stability of the LNG bunker barge was estimated. Currently, LNG bunkering barge is being developed for the bunkering of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), an eco-friendly energy source. Since the LNG bunkering barge assumes the form of a towed ship connected to the tow line, the towing stability of the LNG bunker barge is crucial f not only for the safety of the LNG bunker barge but also the neighboring sailing vessels. In the initial stages, a numerical code for towing simulation was developed to estimate the towing stability of the LNG bunkering barge. The MMG (Maneuvering Mathematical modeling Group) model was applied to the equations of motion while the empirical formula was applied to the maneuvering coefficients for use in the initial design stage. To validate the developed numerical code, it was compared with published calculation and model test results. Towing simulations were done based on the changing skeg area and the towing position of the LNG bunkering barge using the developed numerical codes. As a result, the suitability of the designed stern skeg area was confirmed.