Optimising ship manoeuvring time during port approach using a decision support system: a case study in Turkey

Abstract

Currently, in practice, ship captains are responsible for decision-making during the manoeuvring process. However, this could be improved upon by the assistance of a decision support system. Any cost reductive initiative is significant to contribute to the overall viability and economic sustainability of the industry. Therefore, it is worthy to study time and cost efficiency of ship manoeuvring when approaching the port. This study develops a decision support system model by utilizing a goal programming integrated ship manoeuvring methodology, which examines ship and environmental variables concerning manoeuvring. The methodology enables positive resultant force of the ship and tugboat against negative external parameters with minimum effort and time. A case study was then carried out using 2 different container ships approaching Gemport berths in Turkey, to show the practical applicability of the methodology. The results of the case study showed that it would be possible to reduce manoeuvring time in approaching the port from 31.6 minutes to 27.36 minutes in ship I and from 59 minutes to 48.05 minutes in ship II. These results are significant as they can provide cost efficiency for ship owners and port authorities, especially when we consider its applicability for the entire world merchant marine fleet.

The Effect of Ship Maneuvering and Weather on Ship Berthing Position with Icy Water

“…Therefore, it is necessary to understand how changes in the loading conditions affect ship maneuvering from the viewpoint of navigation safety (Yasukawa et al, 2023). However, managing ship maneuvering time is a complex task (Yalcin et al, 2022).To achieve smooth ship maneuvers when docking, undocking, anchoring, sailing in narrow shipping lanes, or passing traffic separation charts, the master and officer must pay attention to factors that can influence the ship maneuvering process, such as current weather conditions, as well as the latest states regarding the readiness of the pier, the berthing position that the ship will occupy for carrying out the loading and unloading process. Natural factors such as weather make analysis important for captains in developing ship maneuvering strategies.…”