Over the past decades, vessel dimensions have grown considerably. Hence, marine structures need to absorb the larger berthing energy associated with these modern vessels. To absorb this berthing energy, quay walls and jetties are typically equipped with fender systems. In contrast with the increase of vessel size, the allowable hull pressure on vessels has decreased with every new generation of (container) vessels. Even though several case studies have been carried out into the capacities of vessels to accommodate berthing loads, a detailed assessment of berthing impact loads acting on the parallel hull of larger modern vessels that validates the current guidelines, is still lacking. This paper provides a comprehensive and structured assessment of vessel hulls impacted by fenders equipped with fender panels to gain insight into the key variables defining the critical berthing impact load. Furthermore, it offers insight into the structural response of the vessel’s parallel hull that is subject to fender induced berthing impact loads. The maximum fender induced load, as well as the allowable hull pressure found in this study, provide an important update to the current guidelines.
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