MARIN has released RollPeriod, a new mobile app that enables crew and maritime professionals to measure a ship’s roll and pitch periods directly on board. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app turns any smartphone into a practical, accurate measurement tool.
Understanding a vessel’s roll period is essential for assessing the risk of synchronous or parametric roll. RollPeriod supports this by using the phone’s built‑in accelerometer, combined with FFT (fast Fourier transform) analysis, to determine roll and pitch periods in real time.
Synchronous or parametric roll poses a severe risk of sudden, intense lateral swaying, often causing container stack collapse, cargo loss, and potential capsizing, particularly for large container ships in following or quartering seas. Parametric rolling occurs when roll motions couple with pitching, while synchronous rolling occurs when the wave encounter period matches the ship’s natural roll period.
Also read: How to act to prevent parametric rolling in following seas and avoid container loss
App features
Key features of the app include:
- Accurate real‑time roll and pitch period detection.
- CSV import and export for further analysis and reporting.
- Direct insight into the relation between roll period and stability (GM).
Also read: LR launches stowage solutions to cut container losses
TopTier JIP
The development of RollPeriod aligns with one of the ambitions of the TopTier joint industry project (JIP), which aims to reduce the risk of container loss at sea by improving operational awareness. The app was developed by Diane Queau and Teiva Mettelet during their internship at MARIN.
RollPeriod is a free app available for download through App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Picture by MARIN.
Also read: New CMA CGM, ABB algorithm targets ship roll prevention
