Study on the economic channel design for LNG ships using Pedersen grounding model

China has entered the fast-development period of LNG transportation. The construction of safety and economical channels for LNG ships plays an important role on the safety of LNG vessel and the development of the ports. The concept of economical channel is proposed, which focuses on the LNG vessel maneuvering characteristics, navigation assurance, safety guarantee, and the economic investment and so on. The calculation method of economical channel width for LNG ships is based on the analogue simulation, acceptable risk standard and Pedersen grounding model. Numerical example analyses of a 360m long LNG ship is taken as a case study. 36 groups analogue simulation experiments are performed using the NT-PRO4000 ship handling simulation under 108 different navigational conditions, which determines an LNG ship channel width design plan through the acceptable risk standard. The Pedersen model is used to analyse the risk probability of economical channel width design plan and the original plan. The simulation results indicate that the risk probability of the LNG economical channel design is in accordance with the original plan. It presents a method and idea for LNG channel width design, which promotes the safety and economy for LNG ships.