The project aims to develop a simulation tool that allows for time-efficient assessment of ship collision and grounding accidents using structural information available in the early design phase of a ship. This requires simplified representation of ship’s structural configuration.

A basic element describing the ship structure is idealized structural unit that consists of stiffened plate, a longitudinal girder and a transverse floor. For each structural unit a set of shape functions describing the behaviour of the unit under different loading mechanisms. Via structural units the description ofthe local damage in certain accidental scenarios can be obtained in time-efficient manner.

Once the local damage is obtained, the hull girder strength of thedamaged ship hull is analysed using coupled beam method. In the case of tankers, the amount of the oil spilled trough the damage opening is assessed using hydraulic spill model with possible sub-maximal net-exchange flow situations. Such tool would allow to study and improve the shipdesign in means of safety already in early design phase. The tool would allowrapid assessment of ships’ state in actual accidents and plan the required salvage activities.