Ports are vital parts of the shipping industry. The import and export process is conducted through terminals and docks. Therefore, you need to ensure optimal port efficiency. You can have a guide to do so in a nutshell.
A port planner could decide the efficiency of a terminal during the early port planning stages. Looking at predicted vessel motions is the way to determine that. There’s a way to do even more efficiently with the following steps. In addition, it will increase container terminal performance.
Three Steps to Increase Terminal Performance
Here are the three tips that will help you to increase container terminal performance.
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Consider the Boundary Condition
As a port planner, you need to look at many boundary conditions. For instance, space for the pier operator for cargo handling, transport, and facilities should be there for your consideration. Moreover, you need to consider the space needed by the vessels for bypassing and turning. You better think about the environmental aspects. Therefore, you can aim for a calm harbour basin.
Additionally, you can try to reduce currents and have the quay lying in such a direction that the wind will often push the moored vessel into the fenders. These things will help you to reduce vessel motions. Smaller vessel motion means higher container terminal performance.
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Apply Extreme Value Analyses and Numerical Modelling
You can predict wind conditions and waves and currents in a port. Some long-term measurements and numerical modelling help you to do so. However, it can affect berthing conditions. For instance, long-period waves like swell, long fetch lengths, and passing vessels can reduce the operability of terminals. Therefore, combined with extreme value analyses, you would know how often each condition is likely to occur. A tracking system to track the vessels may help you in this journey.
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Conduct Dynamic Mooring Analyses
One can use the above data directly in dynamic mooring analysis. It provides vessel motions, line, and fender forces. With such a tracking system, you can combine meteorological and hydrodynamic data in a test matrix. Moreover, you can incorporate the impact of passing vessels. You should consider that waves and currents can be very different over the entire vessel length.
Devices used in Vessel Tracking System
Numerous devices can help you to track your vessel in the shipment process. Here are some of them.
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Gyro Compass
You can use it to find the right direction. Gyro compass is a powerful vessel tracking system that helps determine the north position, which is the earth’s axis of rotation, to provide a stable directional source. You must install its repeater system on the steering platform for emergency steering.
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Radar
Most vessels rely on an S-band and X-band radar system for navigation. It can detect a target and display information on the screen. The information may be the ship’s distance from the ground, any floating objects, and other vessels to avoid a collision. A radar is a rotating antenna that detects the surrounding area of the ship.
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GPS
A GPS is a receiver or a display system. You can use it to display the location of a ship using a global positioning satellite in earth’s orbit. The vessel tracking system is one of the most powerful systems you can use.
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Ship Flags
Ship flags, also known as signal flags, are vital as a vessel tracking system. When your vessel is roaming in an international area, this flag can help you to navigate your vessel with coloured flags. These have been used since ancient times to navigate ships and vessels.
Bottom Lines
In conclusion, you can manage your shipping business with the help of these tips mentioned above. Increasing your terminal performance can help you with a lot of benefits.