This paper carries out an experimental study of a multi-function dirllship model with moonpool structure in towing tank, aiming at analyzing the effects of the moonpool structure on the ship resistance in open and closure condition.

Taking a dirllship as the research object, the ship motion response in regular and irregular waves is investigated. The resistance of the ship in hydrostatic water and waves is measured with tension sensors, and the acceleration characteristics of the bow, midship and stern are analyzed by acceleration sensors.

The results indicate that hull resistance under light load conditions is greater when open moonpool, while hydrostatic water resistance with closed moonpool is greater under design load conditions. The closed moonpool in regular waves reduces stern acceleration by 58.2%, bow resistance by 46.7% and heave response by 41.8%. The peak of resistance at the bow in irregular waves is about ten times higher than that at the stern, and the peak of resistance occurs more often when the moonpool is open at the same time.

The experimental study shows that the difference in load conditions changes the waterplane area and affects the hull resistance in hyrostatic water. In contrast, the closure of the moonpool not only reduces acceleration and resistance, but also improves surge and heave. As such, this paper can provide references for the structural design of drillships with moonpools.