Determination of Anchor Drop Sequence during Vessel Anchoring Operations Based on Expert Knowledge Base and Hydrometeorological Conditions

Abstract

Presently, the most common technique for maintaining a ship’s location is dynamic positioning, which uses a series of thrusters to hold its position. This method is resilient to moderate hydro-meteorological conditions, eliminating the need for extensive preliminary steps before initiating positioning operations. An alternative approach involves station keeping using a set of anchors, where thrusters are not employed, necessitating careful planning of the anchorage in light of hydro-meteorological conditions. Presently, in vessels using this anchoring method, the captain determines the order of anchor drops, taking into account the prevailing weather conditions, the ship’s maneuvering abilities, and vessel capability plots. This article introduces a novel algorithm that uses sensor-acquired weather data and a cognitive knowledge base to establish the best sequence for anchor drops. This innovation represents a significant stride towards the automation of the anchoring process. By using the anchorage planning algorithm presented in this publication, it has been possible to reduce the time required for anchor deployment by about 52%, due to the preparation of the anchor deployment strategy in port. A reduction in energy consumption of about 8% was also achieved.