Experiment of Ship Maneuvering Motion in Muddy Navigation Area

In order to make full use of natural resources and ensure the safety of the ship navigation, based on the self-designed ship trajectory tracking system, the self-propelled model test of ship maneuverability which include cycle test and zig-zag test under the combined effects of water and fluid mud was completed in the test pool. And then based on the results of the tests, the influences of under-keel clearance on ship resistance, heading stability and turning radius were analyzed, and the maneuverability of the ship’s navigation in the fluid mud was comprehensively evaluated. The results show that as the under-keel clearance decreases, the linear stability of the ship increases, but its maneuverability deteriorates. In order to ensure safety, the depth of ship dragging into the fluid mud must be less than 10% of ship’s draft.