Analyzing the interaction between maintenance dredging and seagoing vessels: a case study in the Port of Rotterdam

Journal Article (2024)
Author(s)

Arash Sepehri (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)

Alex Kirichek (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)

Solange van der Werff (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)

F. Baart (Deltares, TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)

Marcel van den Heuvel (Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors)

Mark van Koningsveld (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering, Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors)

Research Group
Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-024-03847-1
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Research Group
Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering
Issue number
12
Volume number
24
Pages (from-to)
3898-3908
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Abstract

Purpose: Maintenance dredging can often hinder port operations resulting in waiting times for seagoing vessels. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamics between maintenance dredging activities and seagoing vessels, specifically focusing on how waiting times can be reduced. Then, the role of selecting different maintenance dredging strategies in reducing these waiting times is outlined. Methods: The study analyzes historical automatic identification system (AIS) data to identify the interaction between maintenance dredging and seagoing vessels and quantify the hindrance periods for the Mississippihaven case study in the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The trajectories of the vessels are analyzed in a simple case to show how the vessels interact and how the waiting times are quantified. The interactions are checked with the Port of Rotterdam for different port calls to ensure that maintenance dredging was the reason for these delays. Results: By analyzing the AIS data analysis of vessels in a given time window, the dredgers for maintenance work can be identified and their activities within or near the terminal can be determined. In addition, the waiting time of the seagoing vessel caused by the maintenance dredging is quantified at the terminal entrance. Conclusion: The study discusses how the maintenance dredging operations could be improved by adjusting the loading and sailing phases of maintenance dredging and provides some theoretical and managerial insights. Alternative port maintenance strategies to minimize the waiting time caused by the hindrance are also discussed.