The model was compared with model test data and satisfactory agreement was found for the mean mooring forces. Surge oscillations were larger in the simulations than in the model tests, probably due to underestimated ice-induced damping forces in the simulations.
The dynamic surge response of the ship was investigated by varying the ice drift speed and the surge natural period. The coefficient of variation for the surge motions was largest for speeds around 0.10–0.15 m/s for all surge natural periods. The importance of parameterizing the ice forces in terms of the penetration of the ship into the ice is highlighted, as this strongly affects the dynamic response of moored ships in level ice.
The model can be applied in studies of dynamic response of moored ships in level ice with constant drift direction and it can be extended to variable ice drift direction.