###### Abstract  
The most important problems confronted by designers of floating structures are minimizing weight and increasing payload to get proper resistance to the applied loads. In the present study, the structural performance of a ferry is analyzed using both metallic and composite materials as a result of the dynamic load of the Military Load Capacity (MLC) 70 (tank load). The model is composed of sixteen floating pontoons. Finite element simulation and dynamic analysis were performed using ANSYS software (analysis system software), considering a moving MLC70 (tank load). Both concentric and eccentric cases of loading are considered. Draft, deformation, and stresses are obtained and investigated. For the steel ferry, the von-Mises stresses are investigated, while for the composite ferry, the maximum principal stresses are investigated. Furthermore, buckling analysis is performed on the composite ferry and the buckling load factor is determined. The results of the dynamic analysis illustrated that the transverse eccentricity of the moving tank MLC70 must not exceed 0.5 m for a steel ferry while it may reach up to 1.5 m for the composite ferry. This research can also be a useful tool in the design of floating composite and steel ferries. p 2020  
preferred developing a finite element model to get symmetric simulations, considering the pontoons as a beam rested on elastic foundations and subjected to the applied loads [7]. [PERSON] et al. [8] studied the influence of floating bridges on velocity distribution. Additionally, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [9] numerically studied the hydro-elastic responses of connected pontoons under dynamic and static cases of loading and introduced a numerical method for analysis of a ribbon floating bridge. [PERSON] [10] studied the performance of floating bridges under longitudinal and transverse eccentric static loads using finite element modelling. [PERSON] et al. [11] studied the dynamic response of floating bridges under the action of a moving load at constant velocity and introduced an equation that represented the effect of damping. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [12] investigated the dynamic response of floating bridge subjected to moving load. From the results, the vertical deflection in the entire bridge is shown to be caused by rotation at the hinge position. Also, [PERSON] et al. [13] investigated a discrete pontoon floating bridge under moving loads. [PERSON] et al. [14] introduced a numerical method to compute hydro-elastic responses of pontoon-type floating structures under moving loads and waves action. [PERSON] et al. [15] presented a numerical study of a floating bridge with a total length of 4.6 km subjected to wave loads and supported by 35 pontoons along its full length. [PERSON] et al. [16] studied the hydrodynamic modelling of pontoon bridges. The model relies on the finite element method and linearized potential theory. [PERSON] et al. [17] investigated the optimal stacking sequence of plies in a laminated plate to maximize the first failure load using Tsai-Wu failure criterion [18; 19]. The safety and crossing speed are two main features judging the success or failure of the pontoon bridges [20]. Safety insurance is not easy during loading of the ferries by the tanks, as many accidents occur due to the eccentricity. Figure 1 illustrates some accidents due to the transverse eccentricity of tank loads. The development of floating bridges requires the usage of new materials instead of traditional steel as the steel ferry has many limitations because of steel properties (relative low strength and large density in compare to carbon fibers). The low density and excellent mechanical behavior of composites (reinforced fiber polymers such as carbon fibers) make them candidates to replace metals for many applications [19; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25]. Simulating composite materials is one of the most important topics to discuss, as it requires studying the failure criteria, buckling, and principal stresses.