Scale model tests of ship impact on fenders

Abstract

Docking of very large ships is a delicate procedure as the kinetic energy associated with large masses of the ship can result in high impact forces causing damages to the ship, the fenders and even the quay itself. The expected berthing loads are a key element in quay design. Fenders are usually rubbery flexible elements that turn the vessel’s kinetic energy into milder reaction forces on the quay by absorbing some of the vessel’s energy. The characterization of the docking ship and the forces applied on the fenders are usually quantified with existing design formulae [1][2][3], which assume a single point of impact. However, the pattern and magnitude of impact forces differ for each fender and are highly dependent on the ship’s approach trajectory and mass.