The potential of vortex induced motion (VIM) in multi-column floating platforms such as semi-submersibles and tension leg platforms (TLPs) is well-acknowledged although the industry guidelines for design for VIM are not comprehensive and more research effort is required. Significant VIM in multi-column floating platforms will affect the fatigue life of the steel catenary risers and must be quantified and sometimes reduced. Industry-standard design tools used for drag estimation based on model tests of fixed structures may not accurately reflect the effects of drag augmentation due to VIM. Model tests and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis are feasible methods to investigate VIM, with the latter being more resource-efficient, provided sufficient benchmarking has been carried out to ensure reliable results.Subsequent to the model tests and preliminary Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations done for a multi-column floating platform [1, 2], further CFD analyses for the VIM of the floating platform have been carried out using improved simulation techniques with a commercial software. Good agreement between model test results and CFD calculations for VIM of a multi-column floating platform is observed. Sensitivity of CFD results to the modeling assumptions such as mesh size and density, time-step size and different turbulence models is presented.Copyright © 2013 by ASME