The Effect of Nickel Ore Liquefaction on Ship Stability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35718/ismatech.v4i2.8482228Keywords:
Nickel ore, liquefaction, ship stability, free surface effect, bulkheadAbstract
Nickel ore liquefaction poses a critical threat to vessel stability because the cargo may transition from a solid to a fluid state, potentially causing rapid heeling and, ultimately, sinking. Under a substantial external shock, liquefied cargo may fail to return to its original position, thereby altering the cargo distribution and adversely affecting vessel stability and motion. Accordingly, this study investigates the effects of varying proportions of solid and liquid nickel ore, with the combined composition maintained at 100%, on the stability and motion characteristics of the MV Nur Allya. Five loading conditions were considered: 100% solid, 75% solid–25% liquid, 50% solid–50% liquid, 25% solid–75% liquid, and 100% liquid. Among these conditions, Case 1 produced the most favourable stability performance, with a maximum righting arm (GZ) of 1.064 m. To further mitigate the liquefaction hazard, a longitudinal bulkhead was incorporated into the cargo hold for all five loading cases. The results show a modest improvement in stability between Case 1 and Case 5 following the installation of the bulkhead. However, although the longitudinal bulkhead reduces the stability risks associated with cargo liquefaction, its installation also decreases the cargo-carrying capacity of the vessel, highlighting a trade-off between enhanced safety and cargo utilization.
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