Research on Intelligent Detection Algorithm of the Single Anchored Mooring Area for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships

Abstract

Mooring area detection represents one of the key technological problems that must be solved in the development of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). In view of the lack of research on the current detection methods for ship mooring area, a new intelligent detection algorithm of the single anchored mooring area for MASS was proposed in this study, aiming at improving the detection ability and accuracy of the MASS mooring area. Firstly, the laws of short period swinging motion, long period circumferential motion and reciprocating motion in the radial direction of an anchoring ship were summarized. Secondly, an anchorage circle radius model and safety distance model between the anchor positions were established and various constrains were considered including ship type, ship particulars, draft, safety impact caused by other ships passing through the anchoring ship. Thirdly, the Monte-Carlo stochastic simulation method was used to measure the mooring area, which can detect the anchor position intelligently. Finally, a case study on MATLAB demonstrated that the proposed intelligent detection algorithm for MASS is effective under various marine scenarios. The results enrich the theory of MASS mooring area detection; therefore, the algorithm has great potential to be equipped on MASS in the future.