Projects
Since inception, bES have been engaged on a wide variety of projects across the Naval Architecture spectrum. The team at bES relish a challenging task and enjoy finding solutions to new problems or finding new and better solutions to old problems. Below, we are pleased to present some hand picked examples to demonstrate the range of projects where bES have been engaged as well as the range of different approaches and tools that the team utilise. If you would like more details on the scope and capacity that bES can offer, please just get in touch and we would be pleased to discuss your project or enquiry in more detail.
Naval Architecture
Loading software for fleet of cement carrier vessels
Following an engagement as independent consultants, bES designed a customized loading software for a fleet of cement carrier vessels. The software, which was designed from zero, increased the crew's efficiency while minimizing the risk of crew errors.
In addition, easy-to-use functions facilitated:
- Fast assessment of stability, considering actual trim and list
- Loading condition based on the draft survey
- Calculation of the center of gravity of the load, depending on its shape
- Fast and effective reporting
- Retention of voyage data history
The software program was installed on a fleet of 11 deep-sea vessels.
Naval Architecture
Hook load operation study
The scope of work for the team of naval architects at bES was to give expert advice relating to a specific scenario when a geared vessel was loading heavy cargo.
The analysis included a detailed study of ship stability performance with a sudden loss of a hook load and considered the applicable IMO Stability regulations. The bES team investigated different loading scenarios considering the stability limits of the vessel. The weight of the cargo that had been planned to be load on to the ship’s open deck was of concern when considering the available safety factors. Using the input data from the ship’s loading software on board in conjunction with the approved stability book, bES provided calculations and a final report setting out the key factors to be considered such as stability criteria status while loading as well as the anticipated floating condition.
Marine & Offshore Engineering
Mooring Forces Analysis
A detailed analysis of forces acting on the lines of a moored vessel was conducted by bES and a subsequent written report was produced to set out the nature and findings of the analysis. The study included different weather scenarios such as change in speed or direction and considered a number of possible scenarios in this respect to cover all scenarios considered possible by the principal.
For each possible weather scenario, bES investigated and calculated the forces in mooring lines for the actual mooring arrangement for the vessel. A key factor in the case itself was the relatively large windage are of the vessel itself, with this windage considered, the results of the calculations performed by the bES team were then shown for each individual mooring line which changed depending on the exact weather condition under consideration. Ultimately, the results of the mooring line analyses were compared against theoretical breaking load of the mooring lines to investigate and consider a potential failure of mooring lines.
Marine & Offshore Engineering
Non – linear strength analysis of dredger pipe
Structural engineers at bES conducted an analysis of a dredge vessel's dredge pipe strength. This analysis took into account the abnormal distribution of loads and multi-contacts (i.e the vessel itself and the seabed).The simulations run by the bES team calculated in the time intervals allowed for the assessment of the stresses on the pipe at various load stages.
A dedicated FEM (Finite Element Method) software was utilized to determine the displacement and stresses in the given material. The bES team delivered the final report considering the boundary condition and complex environment of the analysis. The results showed and the final reports described, the limits and allowable forces the dredge pipe is capable of withstanding whilst in contact with the seabed.
Marine & Offshore Engineering
Acceleration Forces acting on damaged container
On one interesting assignment, the role of bES was to give an expert opinion as part of an investigation into cargo damaged whilst stowed in a standard shipping container. The ship and its cargo were exposed to severe weather conditions, damage had occurred to the containers as well as the cargo stowed within the containers . Using nonlinear FEM simulations, bES investigated the influence of the method of loading individual layers of containers on the forces acting on cargo and containers during a period of severe vessel motion in during inclement weather.
Our expertise covered stress values and distribution in container structure elements which was compared to allowable strength limits of typical ISO 20ft container.
Salvage Engineering
Bulk Carrier aground
During a grounding case in a sensitive and remote location, the engineering support provided by the bES team from office as well as the naval architect on board the vessel at the grounding location all made it possible to quickly determine the ground reaction forces as well as the floating conditions once that was done the team could accurately simulate different possible scenarios for refloating. The bES team, together with colleagues from sister company brand MARINE CONSULTANTS (bMC), delivered comprehensive support from soon after the initial grounding incident right through to the completion of successful refloating by the main contractor.
Calculations were performed with the use of a 3D model which the bES team quickly built into the GHS (General Hydrostatics). This model considered watertight spaces weight distribution and ground reaction location. The output from the simulations allowed the bES team to give fast and accurate information to the salvage team, controlling the process of fluid transfers and vessel loading condition to facilitate safe and successful refloating.
