BMT SeaTech studies berth expansion at Ras Laffan

A navigation study by BMT SeaTech Ltd has concluded that a new berth extension at the Port of Ras Laffan, Qatar, is accessible and creates no adverse effects on navigation within the harbour area. Commissioned by Qatar Shell GTL Ltd the study examined the manoeuvring and navigation of vessels to and from the new berth in the port, which is the world’s largest LNG exporting facility.

The study was conducted on site in Qatar by BMT SeaTech's nautical staff and used the ship handling and manoeuvring simulator, PC Rembrandt, which combines the essential characteristics of accurate mathematical modelling and easy portability. As part of the project, BMT SeaTech modified the electronic chart of the port and created enhanced 3-D visual models from data provided by Qatar Shell GTL Ltd. As part of the simulations, a range of ship types were used from BMT SeaTech’s library of fully validated mathematical ship models.

The 140m berth extension at Ras Laffan has been designed to extend cargo facilities. Using the experience and local knowledge of four local pilots, the scenarios were designed to represent typical and extreme weather conditions. Other vessel traffic was also added to increase the complexity of the simulated manoeuvres carried out by the pilots during the study.

Simon Burnay, Manoeuvring Simulation Products Manager, commented, "A key element of any proposed port development is the assessment of navigation risks. PC Rembrandt is ideally suited to this through its ability to provide accurate, cost-effective simulations of vessel movements in realistic scenarios. By performing this study on site, we were able to complete the simulations in the pilot’s office at Ras Laffan, reducing the cost of the project and without interrupting port operations."