Green water loads on FPSOs exposed to beam and quartering seas, part I: Experimental tests

The green water on FPSOs subjected to beam and quartering irregular seas is evaluated through a combination of ocean basin model tests and CFD simulations. Part I provides an exploration of the extensive experimental outcomes, while critical water on deck events are simulated in Part II using CFD. Based on comprehensive model test data, many aspects of green water resulting from the interaction of beam and quartering waves with an FPSO are explored. The model test was performed for a barge type FPSO, with measurements of water elevations and loads during green water events. The wave parameters were based on Brazilian waters metocean data and load conditions were chosen to maximize the occurrence of water on deck events. Considering the large number of monitored green water events, identification of critical regions near the deck edge and the water on deck propagation are characterized, including the influence of a riser balcony along the side hull. Additionally, an alternative formulation for maximum load estimation on small obstacles near the deck edge based on elevations is developed through a simplified local impact analysis. The results are compared with experimentally measured loads, revealing itself as a less conservative approach for green water loads determination.