Next generation of physics-based system for port planning and efficient operation

The continuing surge in commercial vessel sizes is putting increasing pressures on the world’s port authorities to adopt effective expansion strategies to ensure that their asset is able to meet growing capacity demands. Among the key challenges is to assure that correct strategic planning and operational measures are adopted to guarantee safe and efficient traffic not only through its shipping channel, but also at the port berthing facilities. DHI and FORCE TECHNOLOGY have collaborated to develop a novel physics-based vessel traffic management system named NCOS ONLINE. It is capable of taking into account of any relevant vessel constraints such as under-keel clearance (UKC), maneuverability and berth configuration that may constrict the movement of vessels through the channel or operability at berth, facilitating scenario planning and capacity assessment of proven unparalleled accuracy. The system incorporates the accuracy of high-end Full Mission Bridge Simulators with regards to vessel response under power and at berth. The underlying computational engines uses a powerful 3D panel method for vessel response calculations in combination with highly detailed environmental data such as wind, waves and hydrodynamics (water level and currents) simulated by use of MIKE Powered by DHI’s recognized and scientific based computational models. The modular and integrated framework-based system has already been adopted by numerous port authorities, terminal operators and pilots worldwide for strategic port planning, design and 24/7 operational vessel traffic management. The paper focus on presenting the underlying equational framework and validation of the underlying physical response engines and provide a brief introduction to how they are integrated and operated through a series of user-friendly web dashboards.