LIFE recreation ReMEDIES advanced mooring systems modelling: project summary report.
Abstract
This work, commissioned by Natural England through the Life Recreation ReMEDIES (Reducing and Mitigating Erosion and Disturbance Impacts affEcting the Seabed) projecthas investigated the performance of a range of Advanced Mooring Systems. The mooring systems have been compared to a baseline block and chain catenary system. The main objective of the AMS systems is to reduce the interaction between the mooring and the sensitive seafloor ecosystem of UK harbours and estuaries. This work is presented in two sections, the first shows the results of stakeholder engagement with the Life ReMEDIES site leads and regional representatives. This has enabled the derivation of suitable environmental input parameters for the numerical modelling. The second stage involves the direct simulation of the performance of AMS systems with the offshore dynamics simulation software Orcaflex. The conclusions of this study further support the advancement of AMS systems as a means of protecting seabed habitats. However, it is clear that further optimisation is necessary to develop a clear design guideline for specific vessel and depths combinations. This report will be of interest to marine managers including harbour authorities as well as individual mooring users and owners.