Session: 16-08-01 Numerical Wave Tank - Intelligent Systems, Automation and Digitalization, Maneuvering

Submission Number: 182323

TPN-USP Maneuvering Simulation Center: From Concept to Operation 

Brazil has an extensive coastline of approximately 7,500 km, over 380 port terminals, and major inland waterways such as the Amazon and Tietê–Paraná–Paraguai systems. The country also operates more than 60 FPSOs, making maritime simulation a key enabler for safe and efficient offshore and port operations. Since the 1990s, maneuvering simulators have become mandatory tools for the assessment of new terminals and nautical operations, fostering the local development of advanced simulation technologies. Within this context, the Numerical Offshore Tank (TPN-USP) expanded its expertise from anchored-platform simulators to full-mission systems dedicated to ship and tug maneuvers commanded by pilots, captains and tugmasters in real time. The maneuvering model comprises a 6-DOF hydrodynamic framework including hull–propeller–rudder interactions, shallow-water and bank effects, environmental forces from wind, waves, and current, as well as real-time coupling with mooring and tug models. A broad range of propulsion and steering configurations are supported, from conventional single-screw vessels to azimuth-propelled and DP-assisted ships. The simulator is developed using a combination of computational languages, including C++, Unity, Python, and MATLAB. Its modern and modular software architecture allows for the rapid integration of new mathematical models and efficient prototyping. The development team has also implemented a comprehensive framework for scenario modeling, enabling the efficient creation of new vessels, 3D environments, and the import of metocean conditions. An Instructor System provides full control of the simulation, including target manipulation and the imposition of various types of failures and hazards. Finally, an automated reporting system generates detailed plots and animations for post-processing, documentation, and analysis of the simulation results. The simulation center currently operates three full-mission bridges (one certified by ClassNK) and five dedicated tug/pusher simulators, all capable of multiplayer operation. Visualization systems reach 360° fields of view, complemented by real interfaces in hardware-in-the-loop configuration such as DP system, autopilot, navigational instruments, and integrated communication and control stations. Since its commissioning, the TPN-USP Simulation Center has carried out more than 350 real-time and 100 fast-time simulation campaigns, supporting studies for port expansion, berth design, ship-to-ship and barge transfer operations, convoy navigation, and offshore supply activities.  This paper presents the technical evolution, modeling framework, and operational experience gained from a decade of simulator-based assessments, highlighting its contribution to Brazilian maritime safety and engineering innovation.

Presenting Author: Eduardo Aoun Tannuri Universidade de São Paulo

Presenting Author Biography: Full Professor at the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo and Director of the Numerical Offshore Tank (TPN-USP). His work focuses on Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems for vessels and offshore platforms, the development and application of maneuvering simulators, and the numerical–experimental analysis of floating structures. He earned his B.Sc. in Mechatronics Engineering in 1998 and his Ph.D. in 2002, both from EPUSP. He has authored 245 conference papers and 60 journal publications, and has supervised 22 master’s and 10 doctoral theses. As coordinator of the Maneuvering Simulation Center at the Numerical Offshore Tank (TPN-USP), he has led over 400 studies involving numerical modeling and simulation for various Brazilian ports, waterways, and offshore fields.

Authors:

Eduardo Aoun Tannuri Universidade de São Paulo
Humberto Akira Uehara Sasaki Universidade de São Paulo
Humberto S. Makiyama Universidade de São Paulo
Asdrubal Do Nascimento Queiroz Filho Universidade de São Paulo
Felipe Marino Moreno Universidade de São Paulo
André s.s. Ianagui Universidade de São Paulo
Amin Assad Neto Universidade de São Paulo
Mauro Antônio Ubaldo Pereira Júnior Universidade de São Paulo
Marcos D. A. Ferreira Petrobras Research Center
Kazuo Nishimoto Universidade de São Paulo