Capacity Estimation Method of a Waterway Intersection

Abstract

The growth of maritime transportation leads to more crowded and intensively used waterways. This research presents a method to estimate the capacity of a waterway intersection. An analogy between roads and waterways is used and the conflict technique is applied to a waterway intersection. The flows in each direction and their conflicting movements lead to the capacity calculation. Data analysis provides insight into vessel behaviour in an intersection. Moreover, the value of the method has been proven with a case study. This is a generic method that can be applied in any waterway intersection based on the conflicts between the different sailing directions in the intersection and the flow shares inferred from empirical data or predictions. Its application can improve traffic management strategies or traffic rules in waterway intersections.