Analysis and Optimization of the Mooring System of Cruise Ship “MSC Fantasia” at Port of Mallorca

Location: Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands (Spain)
Client: Balearic Islands Port Authority

Project Objectives:

• Analyze and optimize the mooring system for Cruise Ship “MSC Fantasia” at Port of Palma de Mallorca
• Define precisely the resulting mooring loads in the accident occurred on March 2009
• Define alternative mooring settings that would have prevented the system failure

The reference ship model was:

• MSC Fantasia, 339,8 m length and 37 m beam

Tools and Methodology

• The analysis was conducted utilizing Ship-Moorings numerical model to estimate the motion and mooring loads under various swell conditions. A detailed study regarding local swell at berthing was conducted to evaluate its operability.
• The analysis was carried out following the methodology described by PIANC (International Navigation Association) as well as by the (Spanish Port Authority Recommendation).