Study on submerging operation design for heavy-lift barges based on a real case analysis:

Semi-submersible heavy-lift barges are widely used for transporting large offshore structures over long distances. The float-on and float-off operations of such vessels are considered as high-risk tasks even today. Improper flooding sequence may lead to accidents including loss of vessels and human lives. The main objective of this study is to provide valuable findings and guidelines for the design of submerging operations based on the case study of an unsuccessful submerging sea trial. A quasi-static time-domain simulation was conducted to investigate the unsuccessful trial and design a new flooding sequence. Based on the simulation results, the causes of the unsuccessful trial have been identified. Moreover, a new flooding sequence is proposed after examining various options. Since the vessel’s dimensions and ballast tank layout are typical and similar to many other heavy-lift barges, general conclusions for the design of submerging operations are summarized.