In this paper, the hydrodynamic performance of FSRU which is designed to operate in North America East Coast (Fig. 1) is assessed. In order to estimate the hydrodynamic performance, numerical analysis is carried out based on a time domain simulation program SESAM to solve the coupled dynamics for floater and mooring lines. The target operating area is East coast of North America and the model test was carried out based on the metaocean data of the area. The mooring analysis considered waves only without other environment conditions at this time. The results of the numerical analysis show the results are under-estimated the higher wave height condition.
As an alternative solution of energy demand problem and NIMBY problem, a floater receives attention from engineering companies and shipbuilding companies. Because of the demands, the Floating Storage Re-gasification Unit (FSRU) is attractive solution instead of an onshore facility. Also, the price for building the onshore facility is normally higher than the Floating units and takes more time. The FSRU is permanently moored offshore and exports gas to shore through a subsea pipe line directly to the final consumers. So safety based design should be consider and the abnormal environment condition can be a one of very important design criteria compare to the other floaters. Due to the risk of explosion and environmental pollution by LNG storage facility, the LNG terminal moves to an offshore area. For that reason the demand of the FSRU development is increasing. To dominate the FSRU market in advance, the conceptual design of FSRU have been conducted by many companies such as SBMIMODCO, BHP Billiton, Broadwater Energy and the operational methods have been established. And recently several FSRU's have been proposed, are being planned or under construction.
