DNV describe the EU project ‘Extreme Seas’ as scientific research into climate change indicates that storms will get more severe and extreme waves could increase in height. It is told that the research used a review of meteorological and oceanographical data in load and fatigue calculations is necessary and classification society rules for ships and offshore structures may require amendment.
DNV has developed a white paper on the research with some of the findings reported in which DNV evaluate the points and is preparing for climate changes that might affect design calculations and the rules needed for the classification of ships and offshore structures. Dr Øyvind Endresen, programme director DNV Research & Innovation, opined that any revision of design procedures that accounts for climate change needs to be well founded on good scientific and technological findings.
Experts say that much of the climate change research undertaken so far has focused on average increases in temperature and sea level, and ice melting but it is extreme wind and wave conditions that pose the greatest structural risk to ships. It is told that the main purpose of the four million Euro Extreme Seas project is to bring wave modelling, ship dynamics and design specialists together to develop the tools required to take shipping safely through future meteorological and oceanographical changes.
