Effect of Sea State Conditions on Small Vessels

The Strait of Messina, located in the Mediterranean Sea, poses unique navigational challenges for small vessels due to strong tidal currents, rapidly changing sea states, and complex wave interactions. These environmental factors can significantly impact the structural integrity and operational safety of small crafts used for fishing, transport, and recreation. This work investigates the influence of local sea state conditions on vessel motions and vertical bending moments, focusing on a representative pleasure boat operating in this region. Numerical simulations were carried out using hydrodynamic modeling tools to evaluate wave-structure interactions under realistic scenarios. Hydrodynamic simulations were conducted using a panel-based numerical approach at forward speeds of 0 knots and 16 knots, the latter corresponding to the maximum navigational speed permitted in the Strait. Two principal wave directions were analyzed: 180° and 90° to assess vessel responses under realistic operational scenarios. The resulting hydrodynamic loads, including Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs), provide a foundation for stress evaluation using advanced structural analysis methods. This research serves as an initial study within the broader context of the MADELEINE Project, which is dedicated to developing innovative approaches for fatigue life monitoring and enhancing real-time navigational safety. The findings offer valuable insights for improving the design and operability of small vessels and lay the groundwork for future integration with finite element analysis and machine learning techniques for real-time structural health assessment.