Technology finds monster waves beyond estimates of computer models

Researchers aboard the RRS DISCOVERY experienced waves of up to 95 feet in height - the biggest waves ever recorded.  The scientists believe these waves are created by resonance where a storm builds energy into waves over the hours rather than by strong winds which are traditionally thought of the source for large waves.  You can read more about the findings of British National Oceanographic Center researchers aboard the RRS DISCOVERY here.

From an industry perspective, design of vessels able to withstand large waves may need to be reconsidered in the future   As a final note, waves of up to 95 feet give new meaning to so called heavy weather or force majure defenses.  It will be interesting to see the impact of this data on the maritime industry.

Comments

[Nicolas Bellfort]

Hi:

A general question, well somewhat related to the post, I am preparing a research project for one my law school classes, I have chosen maritime law as a general area of interest. Could you suggest of list of 5-10 of the hotest issues currently influencing the development of international maritime law? Any help would be sincerely appreciated. Nick

[Rob Boyle]

Ok, I am not even close to being a lawyer, but have in my day been called a "sea" lawyer. Actually, I am a recently retired Chief Engineer with more than 1.5 mil miles at sea, 12 years in Alaska. I just wanted to comment that wave height is not everything. I actually recall wave heights reported over 120 ft....but I guess they weren't "recorded". All I know, is if you are standing on the flying bridge [80 ft off the water] and are looking up at waves, a few feet doesn't matter.

As with any statistic, Wave Height is only one variable. There is period also to consider. If the waves are closer together, than the slope of the wave is influenced which influences buoyancy forces, therefore stresses, etc. As a sailor of Northwest Alaskan waters...there is nothing worse than the North Altantic. Short Periods..INTENSE.

Many vessels traveling Alaskan waters and others are fitted with accelerometers..or devises designed to measure vessel movement.

Whenever a ship breaks, the first thing you will hear is the "how hard was the Captain driving the ship?" [The first thing we fix is the blame] The Speed of the vessel as it forges ahead is important. As much as I am trained to not to like Captains, that office wienie response always pisses me off. When heavy seas are experienced it becomes ART. Fall off the direction of the waves? Going good and then BAM! Ok, slow down some more, fall off? Things are quiet, speed up, head up....BAM....slow down, fall off. So then you can't slow down any more, you can't fall off...BAM....

So wave height also does not address GM-Stability or for that matter too much stability. A stiff ship is like a sling shot...acceleration on the 05 Level. Try rolling 55 degrees....in thousand one, thousand two...oh damn...my chair just ripped off the deck and landed on top of me...

regards

Rob Boyle