Analysis of vessel induced erosion through manoeuvre simulation and AIS data

Abstract

This manuscript presents an erosion induced by manoeuvring ships assessment methodology in harbour basins with low bed clearance conditions. From the evolution of the bottom morphology, obtained from bathymetric surveys performed by the Port Authority, AIS data is used to analyse the traffic patterns in the basin and to relate the particular ships manoeuvres with the bottom morphology evolution. This allows for the detection of ships causing higher erosion in the basin. The manoeuvre simulator yields the use of the engines and thrusters during the in-port manoeuvres. Afterwards, literature equations are used to perform a stability assessment of the bottom material allowing to compute the required size for a rock protection layer in the basin.