For many reasons, ship model interaction tests are performed in experimental towing tanks. This paper
presents research on the hydrodynamic forces acting on a ship tied up at the solid berth, which is produced
by other ships passing by using free-running ship models with much larger dimensions than those used
in towing tanks. A passing ship model was controlled by a human operator – an experienced master. This
enabled a study of the influence of the interaction impact on the course of the maneuver. The research was
carried out at the Ship Handling Research and Training Centre in Iława. The ship model was moored alongside
and equipped with multi-directional force sensors linking the ship model with a solid berth. Forces
were measured as a function of the passing ship speed, side distance between both ships, ship sizes, and
depth-to-draft ratio (H/T). Forces were measured in two planes: the longitudinal (surge) and the transversal
(sway). A numerical database was processed and ordered according to the variables. The fuzzy model was
created within a “Matlab” computing environment using a Sugeno-type self-learning neuron network model.
The proposed Sugeno model was evaluated with other methods presented by Flory (2002), Seelig (2001),
and PASS-MOOR by Wang (1975). The ultimate goal of this study was to simplify the method of predictive
calculations for adjusting speed and distance when passing by the moored ship, which ensures compliance
with safe port mooring requirements.
