The cruise industry is in constant expansion in South America, particularly in Chile. Valparaíso Port is planning to accommodate the cruise vessels at a dedicated terminal, in order to promote the cruise industry and provide a world class experience. The existing passenger terminal is located coincident with cargo terminals and a dedicated terminal would reduce overlap between cargo operations and passenger services. Valparaíso is a busy harbor with several ongoing expansion projects for the cargo terminals. The selected site for the dedicated cruise terminal provides separation from the cargo terminal, but places the moored cruise ships outside of the port breakwater protection. In this paper, we present the methodology for selecting the cruise terminal location, developing the swell wave climate at the site, and developing terminal solutions to minimize cruise ship movement and obtain a cost effective solution.
To characterize the wave climate at the proposed terminal, we used a 36-year hindcast of wave based on reanalysis of Pacific Ocean winds. The spectral hindcast was propagated using a methodology that allows the estimation of the spectra at the nearshore project site from the contribution of each component present in the spectra in deep water. This is important in bays like Valparaíso, because it considers the energy coming from all directions where it is possible for the waves to enter the bay. Wave simulations were developed using the Mike21 SW-FM (Spectral Waves-Flexible Mesh) numerical model which is able to solve the wave transformation processes such as refraction and shoaling, the energy balance of the inputs (induced by the wind or conditions of distant swells), and attenuations (background friction and wave breaking).
The results of the wave modeling analysis showed that the terminal is exposed to long northwesterly swell waves, which are unfortunately present predominantly during the summer time cruise season. Peak wave period exceed 16 seconds during this time. Consequently, modeled moored ship response to the waves and the potential downtime due to ship motion behavior.
The aNyMOOR.TERMSIM model was used to determine the behavior of the ships under swell conditions. The model predicted the motions of the vessel as well as loads in mooring lines and fenders. The movements of the ship were studied through 6 degrees of freedom which are defined with respect to the ship. Through orientation of the berth and optimization of mooring arrangements, the cruise ship could be moored safely at the location. However, excessive motion at the berth may effect passenger safety and comfort.
To evaluate the potential downtime due to motion, we reviewed the literature in regard to guidelines and recommendations for acceptable motion of cruise ships. References available includes PIANC (1995), Spanish ROM, and Nordforsk (1987). The recommended ranges varied greatly between the references. For the purposes of the evaluation, we adopted a median criteria for lateral movements and the Nordforsk guidelines for acceptable acceleration. In conducting the analysis we identified a need for further investigation and developing guidelines and recommendations regarding the accommodation and the behavior of moored cruise vessels in locations where long period waves are present.