Wave prediction for vessel operation near offshore wind turbines

This research will accurately describe all environmental forces action on auxiliary vessels (i.e. wind, waves, currents) and the behaviour of the vessel under such conditions. This will allow to simulate the motion response of the vessel and to assess the required propulsion and manoeuvring equipment to keep the vessel under control in give hydro/meteo conditions, esp. those found in the Belgian part of the North Sea. The research will focus on 1) numerical simulation techniques in the circumference of the monopile, 2) experimental techniques by performing large scale physical model tests in the Coastal and Ocean Basin and 3) simulation of the performance of the vessel. The emphasis is on the influence of the pile to the turbulent, irregular and possibly strong wind fields, wave fields and tidal currents (esp. in case of monopiles with wide diameter)