A Study of Operational Troubles Due to Ship Motions in the Seto Inland Sea

摘要

It is important to maintain the regularity and the safety of maritime transportation. For example, many people who live around the Seto Inland Sea have to depend on ferry services. Although many casualties have been reported there, ship motions due to waves have not been studied previously. It is believed that oceanographic conditions are calm in the Seto Inland Sea. In this study, operational troubles of local ferries are researched in detail. First, the interview research was carried out regarding the cancellation of navigation. It is known that the local ferry service has been canceled several times in the winter season to prevent the damage of cargos due to ship motions. Second, the field observations of ship motions were carried out in this winter season. The roll motion becomes remarkable under a west wind of 9-15m/s. Observed results can verify that waves are generated under strong winds or currents, which may cause such ship motions. More research, such as the wave observation, will be necessary in the future.