Berthing force is a critical dynamic lateral force in the design of berthing structures, having equal relevance when compared to seismic forces. Besides, the construction cost of berthing structures is very high which can be optimized by calculating precise design berthing energy on fender and selecting optimum fender system. In the present study, design berthing energy of bulk carriers having size range from 5000 DWT to 250000 DWT is compared as per Indian Standard (IS) and British Standard (BS) in terms of various berthing conditions, approach velocity, different berthing coefficients and factor of safety. It is observed that British Standard gives more precise values for design berthing velocities. However, Indian standard provides constant value of berthing velocity for vessel sizes more than 250000 DWT, which is not the case with British standard. It is also perceived that for majority of berthing conditions and vessel sizes, Indian Standard gives higher design berthing energy as compared to British Standard.

No abstract