An improvement in ro-ro stern berthing modelled on a case study

The high volume transported by ro-ro vessels has not come without a price. Accidents and incidents related to design – lack of bulkheads, instability, problems with cargo access doors, stowage, securing cargo and lifesaving appliances – are growing along with the size of the vessels themselves. One particular and recurrent problem is the degree of these giant box-like high riding vessels exposed to wind. Recently the effect of a tramontana – a fierce, sudden and short term regional wind – in the Port of Koper was to detach a moored ship, causing an accident. This paper will present a study of that accident, and through simulations and modelling determine an improvement that will allow berthing perpendicular to the stern ramp to function more securely.