Abstract
There is a growing demand for raw materials for the production of batteries and similar products. Existing sources are depleting, resulting in limited production. To address this issue, new mining opportunities must be explored to meet the demand. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean lies an area known as the 'Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone' (CCFZ), situated between Mexico and Hawaii. The seabed here is more than 70% covered with manganese nodules, a type of nodule containing essential elements such as copper, manganese, nickel, and cobalt. Extracting these nodules could be a potential solution to impending shortages of certain raw materials.
Once the nodules are successfully transported to the water's surface, they are initially stored in the production ship, utilizing a converted drilling ship for this purpose. When this ship is fully loaded, the cargo is then transferred to a transport ship, ready for transport to the most suitable unloading port.
The first challenge arises during the transshipment, for which a bulk carrier is moored alongside. How can both ships safely moor to each other in open sea? This problem is the focus of this thesis. Additionally, it investigates the mutual forces that will occur on the mooring lines during the transfer process.
The outcome of this research provides an initial perspective on the aforementioned questions. A more in-depth exploration of various mooring possibilities is desirable. Detailed strength calculations for the mooring equipment during the operation will also be necessary. As the final part of this thesis, an approach maneuver will be simulated using the MISSIM simulator at the Antwerp Maritime Academy.