Hydrodynamic Assessment of a Proposed FSRU Development in the Visakhapatnam Outer Harbour

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 39 49
    By

    Kapil Walke,

  • M. Phani Kumar,

  • Prabhat Chandra,

  1. Assistant scientist, Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, pune, india
  2. Scientist & HoD, Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, Pune, India
  3. scientist, Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, Pune, India

Abstract

This study presents a detailed hydrodynamic assessment of a proposed Floating Storage and

Regasification Unit (FSRU) in the Visakhapatnam Outer Harbour. A depth-integrated, two-
dimensional hydrodynamic model was developed using MIKE-21 Flexible Mesh (FM) to quantify the

influence of the terminal layout, dredged pocket configuration, and vessel presence on tidal
circulation, freshet-driven flows, and extreme-event conditions. Baseline simulations were performed
using existing bathymetry and operational geometries, followed by proposed configurations that
included the FSRU jetty, moored vessel, and a dredged pocket to −15 m. Additional sensitivity
cases—sand-trap infill, deepening of the southern shallow patch, and dredging to −21.5 m—were
included to examine localized hydrodynamic responses. An extreme-event simulation based on the
Hudhud cyclone (2014) was carried out on an expanded domain incorporating tide, wind, and wave
forcing. Results indicate no significant modification in tidal prisms at the outer entrance, inner
entrance, and sand-trap gap. However, localized redistribution of tidal flux is evident, with the flow
split across the north–south sections shifting from approximately 100–100 cumecs (existing) to 50–
150 cumecs (proposed). Under cyclone forcing, the FSRU yields a marked reduction in current
magnitudes at the jetty—decreasing from 1.4 m/s in the existing configuration to approximately 0.2
m/s—demonstrating beneficial sheltering effects. Dredging alternatives beyond −15 m provide limited
additional benefit and do not significantly influence large-scale circulation. The study confirms the
hydrodynamic suitability and operational safety of the proposed FSRU alignment.

Keywords: FSRU, hydrodynamic modelling, MIKE-21 FM, vsakhapatnam port, tidal circulation, cyclone hudhud, dredging impacts, coastal dynamics, numerical modelling, port hydrodynamics

[This article belongs to Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Kapil Walke, M. Phani Kumar, Prabhat Chandra. Hydrodynamic Assessment of a Proposed FSRU Development in the Visakhapatnam Outer Harbour. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2026; 13(01):39-49.
How to cite this URL:
Kapil Walke, M. Phani Kumar, Prabhat Chandra. Hydrodynamic Assessment of a Proposed FSRU Development in the Visakhapatnam Outer Harbour. Journal of Offshore Structure and Technology. 2026; 13(01):39-49. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joost/article=2026/view=239101


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 03/12/2025
Accepted 09/02/2026
Published 17/02/2026
Publication Time 76 Days
143

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