An analysis of vertical shear forces and bending moments during nodule loading for a standard bulk carrier in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone

This article presents an analysis of vertical shear forces and bending moments during nodule loading in the case of a standard bulk carrier around the Clarion–Clipperton Zone. An operational efficiency index was applied to an assessment of internal forces during loading which took into account wave heights and periods around this zone. The aim of this research was to investigate whether waves could have a negative effect on loading efficiency and to estimate the nodule mass that can safely be loaded onto a standard bulk carrier taking these waves into account. Moreover, a calculation was made to discover the acceptable vertical shear force percentage limit, while also taking into account wave activity during loading.