Abstract
In order to capture the ship turning performance in waves, free-running model tests were carried out in regular and irregular waves using SR108 container ship model. The model tests were conducted at Seakeeping and Maneuvering Basin, Nagasaki R & D Center, MHI. The regular wave tests were carried out in various wave lengths in heading and beam waves. As the irregular wave conditions, long and short crested irregular waves are selected corresponding to sea state 4 and 5. Simulation results of the turning motions in waves are also presented in this paper together with the model test results. A practical simulation method which takes only wave drift forces into account to usual maneuvering simulation model in still water was used. The simulation method can predict the turning motions in regular and irregular waves with the practical accuracy, although there is some room for improvement in short wave length region such as wave length ratio 0.5.
