This thesis dives into the collision dynamics between an ice ridge and a moored point absorber-type wave energy converter. The collision dynamics in this case encompass the ice–structure interaction forces, the resulting mooring line tensions, and the point absorber’s behaviour after impact.

For this research a 3D-model was developed using DualSPHysics, complemented by MoorDyn for mooring line dynamics and Project Chrono for collision dynamics. This research examined collisions between ice ridges modelled as rigid structures with typical subarctic dimensions and a moored buoy representing the point absorber. Various simulations were run with variations in ice ridge size, surface roughness of the ice ridge and different failure mechanisms for the mooring lines.

Key findings indicated that mooring line failures at a tension limit of 5 MN predominantly resulted from entanglement with rough keel surfaces rather than direct impact forces alone when ice crushing was neglected. Smooth-surfaced ridges allowed mooring lines to withstand tensions up to approximately 2.2 MN. Additionally, reducing ridge dimensions significantly decreased maximum tensions and horizontal contact forces, highlighting the critical role of ridge size and surface roughness in collision dynamics.

From this study it becomes clear that the highest uncertainty lies within ice crushing during the interaction with the ice ridge keel structure, it is expected to happen when the point absorber slides against the ice ridge, which can lead to entanglement of the point absorber within the ridge itself. This study contributes critical insights and provides a computational SPH-model for preliminary testing and analysis of moored point absorbers under ice ridge collision scenarios.