Nowadays, the offshore LNG terminals have become a reality, and the initial feasibility studies evolved to the actual project achievements. The proposed paper deals with Bureau Veritas (hereafter called BV) methodology and procedures for the analysis of hydrodynamic and sloshing loads acting on LNG vessels operating as LNG terminals in wide range of operational conditions.
BV methodology for sloshing loads determination is decomposed in three main steps which are standard parts of BV comprehensive sloshing assessment. First, hydrodynamic analysis is a key point in each particular sloshing study, with an objective to determine sloshing excitation for CFD numerical simulations and sloshing small-scale model tests. Second, BV requires independent numerical simulations for the review of the model tests (submitted by the designer), and for the structural assessment of the inner hull structure behind the cargo containment system (hereafter called CCS). Finally, sloshing model tests (submitted by the designer) are standard part of Bureau Veritas comprehensive sloshing assessment. These sloshing model tests determine the sloshing loads to be applied on the CCS. Review and BV independent statistical post-processing examples of these sloshing model tests are presented. BV methodology is presented through examples from dedicated hydrodynamic and sloshing feasibility studies carried out for various LNG terminal projects; from currently operating LNG RVs over the potential conversion of existing ships in service to the new buildings of LNG FPSOs, FLNGs & FSRUs. The objective of these feasibility studies is to verify feasibility of all-filling operation of LNG Terminals and to assess the strength of the CCS and the inner hull structure. This paper does not focus on the capacity or strength. Each step of the methodology will be detailed and illustrated through application to one of the above mentioned LNG Terminal type.
