Estimating Seaway from Ship Motions

The aim is to verify an algorithm for estimating the directional spectrum of seaway from measurements of ship motions. Such onboard wave estimates may serve as sea keeping aids but as well allow to get oceanographic data in regions where traditional wave buoys are rare. The measurements complement previous campaigns undertaken close to Cape Town on a vessel (Fathom 10) operated by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and in the German Bight on the Großherzogin Elisabeth by the Jade University of Applied Sciences Elsfleth. This allows to study the performance of the algorithm for different ship types and sizes and different wave climates. The ship will be equipped with different sensors recording motions in all six degrees of freedom. Cost-effective sensors intended for mass use are supplied by the Jade Hochschule, a sophisticated high precision system is supplied by FHR. Several trial runs at different relative angles between wave and ship and at different speeds are performed close to the wave buoy at Westhinder (or another directional wave buoy if more suitable). Taking the wave buoy data as a reference, the ship-based estimates are compared to the sea state.

Cruises

Plan code Principal Investigator Duration Shared campaigns