Navigation of Ships in Channel Bends under Special Conditions Using Sensors Systems.

Navigational channels and approaches to ports may have bends that constitute the specific sailing conditions for ships. A vessel's entrance into a bend and its safe passing depends on the ship's position accuracy, turn angle, and internal and external forces influencing the ships, as well as the captain's or pilot's experience. In order to assure a ship's safe navigation under specific conditions, the possibility to measure individual ship movement parameters with the use of special sensors is needed to accurately calculate the ship's trajectory considering the specific dimensions of ships. Moreover, hydro-meteorological and hydrological limitations for ships with different parameters and maneuverability should be evaluated in advance. The article aims to develop the methodology for calculating ships' route trajectory in channel bends and approaches to ports under special navigational conditions. The mathematical model that may be used to calculate wind velocity limitations and distance crossed by a ship during maneuvers, depending on the ship's maneuverability, hydro-metrological, and hydrological conditions, was elaborated. The methodology was verified by the example of a few ships entering specific channel bends. Wind velocity limitations depending on wind direction for the SUEZMAX tanker and other selected types of ships during crossing navigational channel bend near Klaipeda port were calculated. The presented theoretical basis may be used by ships' captains and pilots who plan and perform operations of vessels' crossing the approaches to ports and navigational channel bends, as well as by navigational channels designers who plan the channel's parameters in difficult geographical and navigational conditions. Its application may influence the safety increase of maritime transport in limited or specific areas.

Ports Digitalization Level Evaluation.

Currently, seaports are actively searching for methods and ways to improve their operational efficiency. Digitalization is considered as one of the main directions of current ports' development. Ports' digitalization levels are varied and may depend on different factors, including port size, traditions, turnover and handled cargo type, etc. Ports often face decision-making challenges related to assessment of their digitization level and choice of development directions. The article aims to develop a methodology to evaluate ports' digitalization level. A marketing research tool was used to collect the data needed for the analysis. A mathematical model allowing simulations is proposed and a case study of 30 ports located in the Baltic, North and Mediterranean Seas regions is explored. Based on conducted calculations, a ranking of analysed ports considering their digitalization level was created. The ports were compared within groups of small, medium-sized and large ports. It was estimated that the digitalization level in small and medium-sized ports is about 30% lower than the level of large seaports. The research results may be of interest to seaports striving to assess their level of digitalization and choose the best digital improvement solutions.