In this study, mooring analysis was conducted for different vessel displacements in various locations in Egypt. The analysis focused on simulating extreme weather conditions to assess the suitability of existing codes and standards in limiting maximum forces on bollards. Locations included Damietta harbor, Suez Canal, Safaga port, and Safaga Abu Tartour, with meticulous consideration of environmental criteria. The analysis incorporated factors such as wind, wave, and current under Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) and loaded conditions, utilizing the OPTIMOOR software. Mooring arrangements adhered to Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF, 2008) guidelines. Results, primarily obtained from OPTIMOOR simulations, allowed for a comparative assessment of bollard forces across different cases and standards. Recommendations include a 10%-20% increase in design bollard forces for vessels with displacements under 50,000 tons, with variations for sheltered areas. Notably, a correlation between maximum bollard force and vessel displacement was observed, aligning with international port and harbor standards. Additionally, this study demonstrated the compatibility between measured mooring forces and OPTIMOOR predictions. OPTIMOOR serves as the basis for developing bollard force guidelines across various berth conditions, including Mediterranean harbors, the Suez Canal, and Red Sea berths. This research contributes valuable insights into the design and safety considerations for mooring systems in diverse maritime environments. |
