This research project addresses the urgent need for enhanced renewable energy technologies and improved marine vessel performance using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling techniques within the OpenFOAM framework. Structured into four pivotal tasks, each focuses on a unique aspect of marine and energy system dynamics. Task 1 explores the hydrodynamics of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) in 3D numerical wave tanks, aiming to optimize energy absorption and wave interaction. Task 2 aims to minimize numerical uncertainties in marine vessel simulations, enhancing model reliability for maritime applications. Task 3 investigates the dynamic responses of water vehicles to various wave conditions, focusing on improving structural resilience and safety. Task 4 analyzes underwater vehicle dynamics, optimizing design for reduced hydrodynamic resistance. In future work, the project seeks to develop robust simulation models that will significantly enhance the design and efficiency of renewable energy systems and maritime vehicles by integrating CFD and FEM. The anticipated outcomes include multiple high-impact publications and advancements in the fields of marine hydrodynamics and renewable energy technology, contributing valuable insights and solutions to these critical sectors.

10.2 Summary in English for general dissemination purposes The main objective of CENTEC is to continue to be one of the world's leading research centres in the area of Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering, keeping a high profile in uncertainty modelling and risk assessment. The proposed plan for strategic development of CENTEC in 2018-2022, aims at consolidating its core research areas and in developing new research areas that will allow it to continue in the forefront of research worldwide. The consolidation of the core research areas is achieved through the research lines of the research groups: 1. Marine Environment 2. Dynamics and Hydrodynamics 3. Marine Structures 4. Safety and Logistics of Maritime Transportation In addition, the plan for strategic development of new research areas will address: 1. Renewable Energies Offshore 2. Energy efficiency in the design and operation of ships 3. Subsea Production of Oil & Gas 4. Blue Economy which is achieved with the involvement of the various research groups. The renewable energies offshore will include resource evaluation, dynamics, strength, and safety and maintenance of the equipment. The study on energy efficiency in the operation of ships will concentrate on energy efficiency during operations without compromising safety in storm conditions. The study on Subsea Production of Oil & Gas considers the various possible ways of exploring oil and gas in very deep waters, by giving more emphasis to subsea than to surface production, as follows from the interests of Portuguese Companies in the exploitation of natural reserves in Brazil and Africa. Emphasis will be given to safety and reliability of production as well as maintenance planning. Attention will be given to the various aspects of Blue Economy by looking at the interfaces and synergies of activities like renewable energy, offshore aquaculture, maritime operations and other new uses of the sea. It is envisaged to give continuity to Advanced Education through research, providing training to PhD students and experience to post-doctorate researchers, in an environment of wide international research cooperation. Dissemination will also be one of the main directions through the publication of journal papers and participation in conferences as well as organizing international conferences and seminars. 10.3 Summary in English for evaluation The main objective of CENTEC is to continue to be one of the world's leading research centres in the area of Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering, keeping a high profile in uncertainty modelling and risk assessment. Nationally CENTEC was rated as EXCELLENT in the 2008-2012 evaluation and ranked: -> 3rd in Engineering Sciences -> 1st in Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Sciences -> 2nd in Marine Sciences & Technologies Compared with that period, in 2013-2017 the production of indexed journal papers increased about 100%, while book chapters and conference papers only increased 5%. The details are in http://www.centec.ist.utl.pt/centec_public/CENTEC-Publications2013-2017.pdf The proposed plan for strategic development of CENTEC in 2018-2022, aims at consolidating its core research areas and in developing new research areas allowing to continue in the forefront of research worldwide. The consolidation of the core research areas is achieved through the research lines of the groups: 1. Marine Environment 2. Dynamics and Hydrodynamics 3. Marine Structures 4. Safety and Logistics of Maritime Transportation The plan for strategic development of new research will address: 1. Renewable Energies Offshore 2. Energy efficiency in the design and operation of ships 3. Subsea Production of Oil & Gas 4. Blue Economy which is achieved with the involvement of the various groups. The renewable energies offshore will include resource evaluation, dynamics, strength, and safety and maintenance of the equipment. The study on energy efficiency in the operation of ships will concentrate on energy efficiency during operation without compromising safety in storm conditions. The study on Subsea Production of Oil & Gas considers the possible ways of exploring oil and gas in very deep waters, by giving more emphasis to subsea than to surface production, following the interests of Portuguese Companies in the exploitation of natural reserves in Brazil and Africa. Emphasis will be given to safety and reliability of production and maintenance planning. Attention will be given to the various aspects of Blue Economy by looking at the interfaces and synergies of activities like renewable energy, offshore aquaculture, maritime operations and other news uses of the sea. It is envisaged to give continuity to Advanced Education through research, providing training to PhD students and experience to post-doctorate researchers, in an environment of wide international research cooperation. Dissemination will also be one of the main directions through the publication of journal papers and participation in conferences as well as organizing international conferences and seminars. The Marine Environment Group will study the marine environment that is important for the activities at sea. The main emphasis is given to mathematical and physical modelling of waves, currents and wind. The group aims at describing the variability of the mentioned phenomena in terms of probabilistic models applicable both to short term and to long term time scales. A particular concern is in the spatial distribution of the extreme values so as to define the areas that are subjected to the same extremes. The other main objective is to be able to predict wind and wave conditions by numerical models both in the hindcast and forecast mode. The performance of the models will be enhanced through assimilation schemes. The objective of the Dynamics and Hydrodynamics group includes the development of advanced computational tools, experimental investigation at model scale and full scale trials, and development of virtual reality models to allow enhanced visualization of the results. Work will concentrate in multi-body hydrodynamics in waves including slowly varying drift forces. Design of mooring systems and assessment of mooring damping. Modelling of wave energy devices and power take off solutions. Methods will be implemented to calculate extreme dynamic loads on floating wind turbines. It is planned to develop a coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) solver to investigate the hydroelastic responses of slender ships under slamming loads. Tests with self-running scaled models group will continue and the offline system identification algorithm will be improved. The current Ship Manoeuvring Simulator (SMS), will be upgraded into a Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) system. New algorithms are being developed for guidance and track planning and also for coordinated guidance of a group of autonomous vehicles. Ultimate strength is to be studied under different types of loads, fabrication-related imperfections; impact loads and age-related degradation. Fatigue Strength is based on the recent advances in computational mechanics leading to highly detailed fatigue and fracture analyses of ship and offshore structures. Impact Strength of metal and composite structures subjected to transverse impacts will be studied. Experimental, analytical and numerical research will be conducted on fibre-reinforced polymer materials for structural applications. Geometric Modelling of Marine Structures will implement a new prototype system able to support the fast digital prototyping of complete hull structures. The research on Maritime Traffic Safety and Human Factors will develop methods and tools for assessment and management of maritime traffic risks in coastal waters and port areas. Efficient methods for structural reliability assessment of intact and damaged ships and offshore and subsea structures will be developed. Methods for reliability and availability of ship systems, offshore wind farms and oil and gas production systems, including subsea systems and equipment. The general objective in the area of maritime transportation and port operations, considers also its integration in the wider scope of supply chain logistics. It will address port operations modelling, optimization of short sea shipping and economic and technologic aspects of Maritime Clusters. O objetivo principal do CENTEC é manter a sua posição de uma das melhores unidades de investigação do mundo na área de Engenharia e Tecnologia Naval e Oceânica, mantendo uma actividade significativa nas áreas de modelação de incertezas e avaliação de riscos. O plano proposto para desenvolvimento estratégico do CENTEC para o período 2018-2022, pretende consolidar as áreas de investigação nucleares e desenvolver novas áreas de investigação que vão permitir a continuação do CENTEC na vanguarda da investigação a nível global. A consolidação das áreas de investigação nucleares é alcançada através das linhas de investigação dos grupos de investigação: 1. Ambiente Marinho 2. Dinâmica e Hidrodinâmica 3. Estruturas Navais 4. Segurança, e Logística do Transporte Marítimo Para além disso, o plano estratégico para o desenvolvimento de novas áreas de investigação vai abordar as áreas de: 1. Energias Renováveis Marinhas 2. Eficiência da Energia no Projeto e Operação de Navios 3. Sistemas Submarinos de Produção de Petróleo e Gás 4. Economia Azul o que se consegue com o envolvimento dos vários grupos de investigação. As energias renováveis marinhas vão abranger a avaliação de recursos, a dinâmica, a resistência estrutural, e a segurança e manutenção dos equipamentos. Os estudos da eficiência da energia no projeto e operação de navios vão concentrar-se na eficiência da energia durante a operação de navios sem comprometer a segurança em condições de tempestade. O estudo de sistemas submarinos de produção de petróleo e gás vai considerar as várias possibilidades da exploração de petróleo e gás em águas muito profundas, dando mais enfase á produção submarina do que à produção de superfície, seguindo os interesses de empresas Portuguesas na exploração de reservas naturais no Brasil e em África. Será dado enfase à segurança e fiabilidade da produção bem como ao planeamento da manutenção. Será dada atenção cuidada a vários aspetos da Economia Azul ao analisar as interfaces e as sinergias de atividades tais como energia renovável, aquacultura marinha, operações marítimas e novas utilizações do mar. Está previsto dar continuidade ao Ensino Avançado, através de atividades de investigação, providenciando formação aos alunos de doutoramento e experiência a investigadores pós-doutorados, num ambiente de cooperação internacional na investigação. A disseminação constituirá também uma das principais diretivas através da publicação de artigos científicos em revistas científicas internacionais e nacionais, e na participação em conferências e organização de conferências e seminários internacionais e nacionais.