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Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology Original Research

Hydrodynamic Assessment of a Proposed FSRU Development in the Visakhapatnam Outer Harbour

  1. Kapil Walke Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India
  2. M. Phani Kumar Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India
  3. Prabhat Chandra Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India

Abstract

This study presents a detailed hydrodynamic assessment of a proposed Floating Storage and

Regasification Unit (FSRU) in the Visakhapatnam Outer Harbour. A depth-integrated, two- dimensional hydrodynamic model was developed using MIKE-21 Flexible Mesh (FM) to quantify the

influence of the terminal layout, dredged pocket configuration, and vessel presence on tidal circulation, freshet-driven flows, and extreme-event conditions. Baseline simulations were performed using existing bathymetry and operational geometries, followed by proposed configurations that included the FSRU jetty, moored vessel, and a dredged pocket to −15 m. Additional sensitivity cases—sand-trap infill, deepening of the southern shallow patch, and dredging to −21.5 m—were included to examine localized hydrodynamic responses. An extreme-event simulation based on the Hudhud cyclone (2014) was carried out on an expanded domain incorporating tide, wind, and wave forcing. Results indicate no significant modification in tidal prisms at the outer entrance, inner entrance, and sand-trap gap. However, localized redistribution of tidal flux is evident, with the flow split across the north–south sections shifting from approximately 100–100 cumecs (existing) to 50– 150 cumecs (proposed). Under cyclone forcing, the FSRU yields a marked reduction in current magnitudes at the jetty—decreasing from 1.4 m/s in the existing configuration to approximately 0.2 m/s—demonstrating beneficial sheltering effects. Dredging alternatives beyond −15 m provide limited additional benefit and do not significantly influence large-scale circulation. The study confirms the hydrodynamic suitability and operational safety of the proposed FSRU alignment.

Keywords

References (10)

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