Positioning capability of anchor handling vessels in deep water during anchor deployment

The aim of this paper is to study anchor handling vessel (AHV) thrust capacity during anchor deployment, especially in a deep water situation when high external forces are expected. The focus is on obtaining realistic external forces and evaluating the positioning capability of an AHV. Wind, wave and current loads on the AHV are considered. Current load on the mooring line, which is usually excluded in practice, is included in the model as well. The thrust utilisation plot, a concept widely used in the Dynamic Positioning system, is proposed to illustrate the positioning capability of an AHV. The Bourbon Dolphin accident was investigated as a case study using the proposed model and methodology. First, load analysis was performed. The results indicated the importance of applying a reasonable current profile and taking the mooring line effect into account. Then, thrust utilisation plots for normal and accident conditions were compared. The comparison showed that the Bourbon Dolphin might have been in the most unfavourable weather direction in terms of position capability during the accident event. Finally, the effect of mooring line configuration was studied. The results signified that a very long mooring line might challenge the propeller thrust capacity and the propeller thrust loss due to lateral thrust usage needs to be considered. Such an analysis and documentation prior to the commencement of the operation can be used for defining vessel specific limitations and selecting the proper vessel for a specific task.