This study presents a comprehensive computational framework for the structural analysis of an offshore aquaculture structure subjected to stochastic ocean loading. As an example, the methodology is applied to an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) platform AquaFort considered for deployment in the Gulf of America. A reduced-order finite-element model of the IMTA structure was developed in a dynamic Morison-equation-based software Hydro-FE integrated with Hexagon Marc . The model was compared with a 3D detailed SolidWorks model, showing displacement differences below 6 %, but relatively large von Mises stress discrepancies up to 37% which was improved to 7–16 % by reconstructing cross-sectionally resolved stress fields using beam-element sectional forces and moments. Environmental forcing used random-phase realizations of a 1-year return-period wave spectrum. Wave phase variability produced up to 46% variation in peak mooring tension within 95% confidence interval. A Monte Carlo approach was applied to select storms with prescribed exceedance probability. The numerical model incorporated Reynolds number ( Re )-dependent drag to consider seasonal viscosity effects and net-induced velocity reduction. By combining Hydro-FE dynamics, stochastic loading, season-sensitive Re -dependent fluid drag coefficients, and stress reconstruction, the methodology provides a numerically efficient framework for evaluating structural reliability of offshore aquaculture systems under realistic environmental variability. • Hydro-FE predictions agree well with commercially available software. • Identical wave energy can produce different extreme structural loads. • Stochastic storm simulations reveal large variation in peak loads. • Temperature-dependent drag significantly affects load prediction. • Cross-sectional stress reconstruction improves peak stress accuracy.
Patwary et al. (Tue,) studied this question.