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Publication date: 16 April 2019

Thibaut Van Zwijnsvoorde, Marc Vantorre, Katrien Eloot and Stefaan Ides

Economies of scale drive container ship owners towards ordering larger vessels. Terminals need to ensure a safe (un)loading operation of these vessels, which can only be…

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Abstract

Purpose

Economies of scale drive container ship owners towards ordering larger vessels. Terminals need to ensure a safe (un)loading operation of these vessels, which can only be guaranteed if the mooring equipment is not overloaded (lines, fenders and bollards) and if the motions of the vessel remain below set limits, under external forces. This paper aims to focus on the passing vessel effect as a potential disturbing factor in the Port of Antwerp.

Design/methodology/approach

Motion criteria for allowing safe (un)loading of container vessels are established by considering the container handling process and existing international standards (PIANC). A case study simulation is presented where the behaviour of the moored vessel under ship passages is evaluated. Starting from a representative event, the effect of changes in passing speed and distance is discussed.

Findings

The study illustrates the influence of passing velocity and distance on the behaviour of the moored vessel, showing that when passing speeds are higher and/or distances lower than the reference event, safety limits are potentially exceeded. Possible mitigating measures, including the use of stiffer mooring lines and/or a change in arrangement, are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper serves as a basis for future research on safety criteria and optimisation of the mooring equipment and configuration to deal with passing vessel effects.

Practical implications

The presented results can be used by ship and terminal designers to gain familiarity with passing vessel effects and adopt suggested best practice.

Social implications

By restricting the motions of the passing vessels, the focus and general well-being of the crane operator is enhanced, as is the safety of workers.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique combination of container fleet observation, safety criteria establishment and case study application.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

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