Inland Navigation Vessels Research Articles

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT AS A CONCEPTUAL PROVISIONS COMPONENT FOR THE CARGO FLOWS FORMATION OF MARITIME TRANSPORT IN UKRAINE

. The article is devoted to updating the legal field of Ukraine, which regulates maritime transport, in accordance with EU standards and norms. The purpose of the study is to develop a proposal for institutional support for the realisation of the maritime transport potential in the security dimension in the post-war period. After analysing the legal framework governing maritime transport, 1086 documents were identified. Among them, there are 39 international Directives in force (for maritime transport) and 6 (for inland waterway transport). In addition, the unimplemented Directive 2015/757/EU "On the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC" was found. If this document is implemented into Ukrainian legislation, Ukraine's maritime transport will see positive changes in the direction of green logistics. And the author proposed to introduce amendments to the draft CMU Resolution "On Amendments to the Procedure for Providing Guarantees of Compensation for Damage Caused as a Result of the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and Military Actions on the Territory of Ukraine to Charterers, Operators and/or Owners of Seagoing Ships and Inland Navigation Vessels Flying the Flag of Ukraine and Flags of Foreign States". It was proposed to pursue a course towards "green" logistics by implementing the necessary EU Directives into the legislative framework. Bringing Ukraine's regulatory framework in line with international EU standards, namely the documents governing maritime transport, will lead to an increase in trade and a higher level of security.

Requirements for the vessels operation at heavy-lift cargoes carriage

The approaches used by different classification societies to standardize calculated acceleration under ship motion during heavy lift cargoes transportation are analyzed in the paper. The methods of estimating the efficiency of securing devices of “non-standardized cargoes” carried on ships are investigated. The analysis of the parameters taken into account in determining the design accelerations at ship motion is carried out. Five representative vessels, which had previously carried heavy lift cargoes under different conditions, are selected. Computer modelling of these vessels motion at different course angles is performed in “SafeSea” programme, and calculated (conditional) amplitudes of motion regulated by the Rules of the Russian Classification Society are determined by “Stabedit” programme. The forced and own periods of onboard rolling are calculated in the specialised software complex “Anchored Structures” at variation of wave modes, loading states and values of metacentric height. The calculation results for representative vessels have shown a satisfactory matching of own and forced rolling periods. It is noted that in the range of 1.5 m ≤ h3 % ≤ 4.5 m for the considered intervals of metacentric height, in most cases the forced rolling periods are slightly longer than the own ones. Based on the results of the research, the recommendations for determination of rolling amplitudes of inland and mixed navigation vessels of “P”, “O”, “M”, “O-PR”, “M-PR”, “M-SP” classes carrying heavy lift cargoes are given. The proposals on standardised design acceleration at motion of a ship carrying heavy lift cargo are also given for the mentioned classes of ships. The results of the research are included in the draft Guidelines for the assignment of design acceleration at rocking of mixed (river-sea) and inland navigation vessels and safety margins of heavy lift cargoes securing systems, developed for the Russian Classification Society

Ensuring the environmental safety of inland waterways by using off-board environmental technical means

The water transport operation, its safety and the organization of the fleet on inland waterways are presented in the paper. The problem of protecting water bodies from pollution by oil products, which are contained in the ship's bottom water (NW) formed during the operation of inland navigation vessels is considered. The results of studying this problem by the authors of the paper, based on the experience of solving this problem in the field of ships operation on the inland waterways, have shown that the most expedient, and often the only possible, way to solve it is an off-vessel treatment strategy, which involves organizing the treatment of bottom-bed water using technical means, which include in general specialized floating facilities providing reception of bilge water from operating vessels, transportation and treatment. The main principles for the offshore cleaning strategy implementation are formulated. In accordance with this strategy it is proposed to consider offshore cleaning as a certain technology, the content of individual operations of which, as well as the composition of the complex of technical means that ensure the implementation of its various options, is determined by the conditions for organizing off-board cleaning on the considered sections of the waterways, which include the need to ensure safety, requirements for the disposal of treated bilge water, as well as economic efficiency. It is shown that under certain conditions it is expedient to carry out separate operations for water purification using different technical means. The main options for the composition of the complex of technical means, including autonomous floating treatment facilities, are proposed. It has been shown that the possibility of choosing the composition of technical means makes it possible to take into account the operating conditions of ships, as well as the organization of off-board cleaning, which provides an effective solution to the problem of ensuring the safety of navigation.

SOME ISSUES OF VESSELS ENERGY EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT IN THE INLAND SHIPPING ENERGY TRANSITION CONDITIONS

The problem of evaluating the energy efficiency in inland navigation is being investigated. The research focuses on analyzing the current state and achieving the goals of transitioning to eco-navigation. Emphasis is placed on the importance of developing new strategies and solutions to enhance the efficiency of navigation in the context of the energy transition. Existing methodologies and approaches for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions efficiency, as well as the impact of energy-efficient technologies on navigation systems, are being examined. Attention is given to the use of alternative fuels and speed optimization as means of reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Special attention is devoted to Danube navigation, where large-tonnage convoys are used for cargo transportation. The technological peculiarities of this type of transport and navigation conditions that can affect vessel energy efficiency are analyzed. Measures are proposed to improve the efficiency of navigation. The authors suggest a new approach to forming an energy efficiency index that takes into account the specifics of inland navigation, specifically large-tonnage convoys and navigation conditions. This approach allows determining the level of vessel energy efficiency in the context of the energy transition, beyond the conversion to CO2 emissions alone. It is noted that inadequate navigation conditions can impact vessel energy efficiency, particularly by increasing water resistance and the need for higher power for propulsion. The authors explore the possibility of applying new technologies and solutions that can help reduce fuel consumption and enhance vessel energy efficiency under such conditions, and they propose new approaches to measuring and assessing the energy efficiency of navigation. As a result of the conducted research, an approach to transforming the form of the energy efficiency index for inland navigation vessels is proposed, which avoids limitations associated with measuring only CO2 emissions and allows for a comprehensive assessment of vessel energy efficiency. The proposed approach will contribute to a more accurate evaluation and comparison of different vessels in the context of the energy transition, considering their performance and fuel costs under real navigation conditions. The research findings can be valuable for scientists and experts in the field of inland navigation in developing effective strategies and policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving vessel energy efficiency.

“Designation of operational restrictions for harbour ships on inland waterways

The existing approaches to assignment of operational restrictions for inland vessels with regard to maritime areas, as well as for inland waterways, are analyzed in the paper. The methodology for assessing the feasibility of organizing the operation of inland and mixed river-sea-going ships in wave-sheltered waters in maritime areas is studied. The additional limitations regulated by the Guidance R.015-2006 of the Russian Classification Society for such vessels while exploiting in regimes of port navigation in sea regions are con-sidered. Research of peculiarities of wave formation on inland waterways has showed that in coastal areas the local winds and topography have significant influence. For limited water areas there are no up-to-date refer-ence data on long-term wave and wind characteristics. Executed analysis has shown that for the decision of a problem on definition of permissible conditions of ships operation on the protected water areas on internal waterways in a port navigation mode, the approach earlier used for the Guidance requires essential changes. A list of parameters to be taken into account when justifying the conditions of inland navigation vessels opera-tion in sheltered waters has been defined. Calculated dependence of an estimation of modes of the established wave in the limited water areas on which realization of a mode of port floating on inland waterways is possi-ble is offered. Ranges of calculation limits for ships of the classes under review are determined. The required level of safe operation of inland waterway vessels in the basins, the rank of which doesn't correspond to the class of the vessel, is substantiated. The study results are recommended for inclusion in the regulatory frame-work of the Russian Classification Society.

Optimized Turning Basin Design for Inland Waterways

Concept design guidelines for ship turning basins are often not met in practice due to environmental, economic, or geotechnical restrictions. In these cases, a detailed design procedure is followed to develop an optimized turning basin geometry within the environmental constraints. Then, real-time ship maneuvering simulations are used to evaluate the maneuvers in the proposed geometry. However, such a detailed design procedure is costly, especially if a large number of simulations are required. To restrict the number of simulations, the waterway authority [Voies navigables de France (VNF)] ordered a study to find a generic and optimal design for a turning basin which could be suitable for the upgrade in the northern part of their inland waterway network. Therefore, the turning maneuvers for two typical inland navigation vessels were simulated in real time under different hydrometeorological conditions. This study was conducted in three stages. First, maneuvers in traditional circular and trapezoidal turning basins of different sizes were executed and analyzed. Second, optimized turning basin geometries were developed. Finally, the turning maneuvers in those optimized geometries were analyzed. Based on the results of this analysis, a stepwise approach was proposed to select an optimized turning basin geometry that was based on the conditions present on site. This stepwise approach for the design of turning basins could reduce the real-time simulations that are required when upgrading a waterway network.

Entering a new era for electrical vessel on inland waterways

The shipping industry is moving towards quickly decarbonizing its assets. There is also a growing demand for new urban transportation (passengers, building materials, and equipment) with zero-emission propulsion. Zero-emission propulsion is available today for sustainable transport. The common size of inland navigation vessels offers the opportunity to implement innovative technologies earlier than seagoing ships. There is clearly a wide range of solutions available, with their own set of pros and cons. Batteries and fuel cells are part of a growing list of solutions to carbon-neutral or zero-emissions shipping. They become a strong choice and can be successfully combined with alternative fuels. As a result, electric and hybrid vessels are currently among the most important developments in the inland navigation sector. Bureau Veritas, as one of the major classification societies, proposes a brief review of state-of-the-art electrical solutions, considering available technologies, safety constraints and operational challenges, bringing to light its experience in electrical vessels, both in new constructions and conversions as well as in vessels in service. Although many parameters must be considered, the conclusion confirms that there are electrical solutions already suitable for a range of vessels and it is also possible to pencil the near future in association with new infrastructure and supply chain.

Off-shore purification of oil water during the operation of inland navigation vessels

This article is devoted to the problem of protecting reservoirs from pollution by petroleum products contained in ship's bilge water formed during the operation of inland navigation vessels. Despite the current experience, this problem has not yet found any effective solution. The ship's installations used do not always reliably provide the required degree of purification, and, in addition, many inland navigation vessels do not have the possibility of placing installations for the purification of oil bilge water. It is shown that for these reasons, the most effective solution to the problem under study is the use of a complex of technical means of off-court cleaning oil bilge water. At the same time, the article proposes to represent all the actions that the oil bilge water undergoes at the same time as the technology of the process of its movement. It is also shown that the content of this technology will be different for different sections of waterways. The factors that will determine the specified content of the oil bilge water movement technology have been established. This approach makes it possible to ensure the required purification of alloil bilge water that is formed in the considered area of waterways at the lowest cost and while ensuring navigation safety.

Approach of using a system of evaluation indicators in determining the efficiency of ships in the Danube shipping

In modern conditions, there is an active interest in continuing research to reduce harmful emissions of marine engine exhaust gases into the atmosphere and prepare ships for the use of technologies with zero level of these emissions. It is known that the European Green Deal concept announced by the European Union is aimed not only at the modernization of the inland vessels, and coordinated qualitative change in its composition, but within this framework also at the large-scale implementation of the energy transition as the most effective way to achieve zero emissions into the atmosphere. At the same time, environmental aspects and issues of energy efficiency are considered as a complex task of transition to energy efficient eco-navigation. To date, for the European inland navigation participants, the stages of reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere are clearly defined and regulated with established numerical standard (reference) values for each of the components (CO, HC, NOx, PM). As for energy efficiency, discussions are still ongoing at the international level about the advisability of introducing criteria according to the principle established by the International Maritime Organization for ships based on the specific mass of harmful emissions (in terms of CO2) per unit of transport work. At the same time, there is an understanding of the specifics of navigation conditions and technologies for transporting goods, which makes us return to comparing energy efficiency and economy indicators. The team of authors made an attempt to find and offer the most comprehensive approach to assessing the energy efficiency and economy of the inland navigation vessels operation, in particular for Danube vessels, with the maximum possible consideration of the features of their operation. An integrated approach to the use of estimated indicators of the efficiency of the existing pushers with heavy convoys allows to achieve an increase in the energy efficiency of the operation of the existing fleet, as well as lead to an improvement in environmental indicators.

On the way to autonomous navigation

The national aspects of readiness and the tasks of introducing autonomous (unmanned) navigation in the near future are considered. The purpose of the study - identification of economic benefits and risks, problem areas of implementation of autonomous navigation technologies. The economic benefit is based on a reduction in the costs of paying the crew of the ship, living on board it, reducing losses from accidents. If the question what? has already been answered - the installation of autonomous navigation systems is available for naval vessels today, then the question why? has not yet been resolved. If the main benefit is expected from a reduction in crew, then a noticeable reduction in crew is possible only for newly built and relatively modern vessels with an auto- mation level of at least AUT2, the share of which under the flag of the Russian Navy is about 15%. At the same time, the modernization of existing inland navigation vessels into autonomous vessels is now available for less than 2% of the river transport fleet (vessels with an automation level of A1), which suggests that autonomous inland water transport only has to be built. The risks also include the slow pace of construction of new ships, as well as retraining and further employment with a massive reduction in the crew of ships. Foreign and domestic experience of the initial stage of autonomous navigation implementation is considered.

Analysis of modern hull structures dry cargo ships-representatives

The results of the analysis of the design of hull structures of modern dry cargo vessels-representatives of inland and mixed ("river-sea") navigation in comparison with classical vessels built in the twentieth century are presented. The characteristic damages of hull structures are considered, recommendations are given on the design of the main hull connections in accordance with the requirements of the Russian River Register (RRR) and the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (MRS). It is noted that, taking into account the existing cargo flows on water transport, the hulls of inland navigation vessels of early construction are being modernized for operation in coastal marine areas. It is shown that, taking into account the aging of the fleet in modern conditions, a significant role is assigned to the construction of "super-full" vessels of internal and mixed ("river-sea") navigation, capable of delivering various cargoes without intermediate transshipment from seaports to river ports of the country.

Digital information system for inland water transport vessels based on AIS

The most important role in ensuring navigation safety on inland waterways is played by the timely provision of navigators with timely and reliable navigational, meteorological and track information, as well as safety information. To solve this problem, the complexes of automatic identification stations’ coastal and ship networks deployed currently can be used. This communication channel (with free traffic for inland waterway transport) is currently used extremely ineffectively due to a small number of serviced vessels. The article substantiates the structure of a digital information system based on deployed networks of automatic identification stations for inland navigation vessels and its functional purpose. The issues of algorithmic and software support development for the process of preparation, transmission, reception and processing of transmitted information are considered. The structure of the database and algorithms for the formalized information packets’ formation in the direction of bank-to-ship are proposed. The formats of address and broadcast messages are presented. A variant of transmitting differential corrections to ships from control-correcting stations via networks of automatic identification stations without using the currently used radio channel is considered. The options for the dialog boxes of the digital information system for the dispatcher and the navigator are given.

Structural strength evaluation of a 3000 dwt river-barge, under oblique quasi-static design waves

The present study consists of the 3D-FEM global structural analysis of a typical open-top, double-hull, 3000 DWT inland navigation barge, having 90 m in length. The 3D-FEM model developed to perform the evaluation idealizes the barge structure with high accuracy, average element size being in the range of 50-75 mm. Two loading cases were analyzed, consisting of the ballast and full loading conditions. For the equilibrium floating condition in calm water and oblique design waves, an eigen iterative scheme has been used to generate the input parameters for the 3D-FEM analyzed cases. The push-barge finite element model has been subjected to oblique quasi-static design waves, headings ranging from 0 to 75 degrees. Wave heights considered in the analysis range from 0 to 1.2 m, step 0.3 m, corresponding to the Danube navigation conditions and freeboard limit imposed by the classification societies for inland navigation vessels. Numerical results following the FE analysis have been assessed by the yielding stress ratio, von Mises criterion, and the maximum deformation, thus indicating the structural areas that need to be improved in the design process.

Comparative analysis of the requirements of the River Register rules and European Regulations for ship arrangements

The article presents the results of comparative analysis requirements of the River Register Rules and ES-TRIN standard for ship arrangements of inland navigation vessels. In the framework of the European agreement on main inland waterways of international importance are expected operations of vessels on international transport corridor, part of which are the inland waterways of Russia. In this regard, becomes relevant the question of the comparison of requirements of normative-technical documentation for vessels operating on inland waterways of Russia and European inland waterways. The purpose of the work is to analyze the requirements of the River Register Rules and the ES-TRIN standard for ship arrangements, as well as to detect differences in approaches required by the operating conditions of ships on the rivers of Russia and Europe. As a research method, we used a comparative analysis of the requirements of the River Register Rules and the ES-TRIN standard, including by comparing the results of calculations of elements of anchor, mooring, towing, steering arrangements, made in accordance with the requirements of these regulatory documents for specific ship projects. It is shown that when calculating the total length of anchor chains for specific ship projects, the requirements of the River Register Rules are significantly "tougher" than the values calculated according to the requirements of the ES-TRIN standard (for "O" class vessels — by 2 times). The values of the breaking force of the towrope of tugs calculated according to the River Register Rules or class "O" vessels are significantly higher (up to 92 %) compared to the values calculated according to ES-TRIN. It is noted that the methods for determining the mass of anchors and maneuverability criteria given in the River Register Rules and the ES-TRIN standard have fundamental differences that do not allow obtaining comparable results. The materials presented in the article can be used by design organizations when designing vessels that are supposed to be operated on the European inland waterways as well as by specialists of the River Register when improving their regulatory and technical base.

Ограничительные факторы в оценке энергоэффективности судов-толкачей большегрузных составов во внутреннем плавании

The issues of energy efficiency assessment for inland navigation vessels and focus on the need to implement different approaches in this context in relation to single vessels against pushers with heavy convoys are considered. This is due to transportation technologies, which have a number of significant differences when pushing a heavy caravan. The analyses were made for the data of systematic testing of ships and the values of energy efficiency indicators obtained for them according to the methodology applied by IMO for ships in international maritime shipping. Fluctuations in water levels on inland waterways and on river sections, in particular, especially when moving pushers with caravans of barges, have a significant impact on the performance of the hydrodynamic propulsive complex. Using the example of the data from the Danube river gauging stations, the assuring enough depth both when performing one voyage at different sections of movement, and during a calendar year were considered. The ratios of the fairway depth and the draft of the vessel are determined, which are boundary for a decrease in the speed of movement in connection with a change in resistance with a tangible negative effect of shallow water. In this regard, issues of increasing fuel consumption in shallow water areas and related factors affecting energy efficiency are also considered. At the same time, the interrelation of energy efficiency and eco-friendliness dictates the use of integrated approaches not only from the standpoint of quantitative indicators of fuel consumption, but also from the standpoint of the use of modern technologies for cleaning exhaust gases. The factors contributing to the development of energy efficiency management are considered as separate categories. These include the work of the River Information Services (RIS), the training of river boatmasters and the instability factors in the shipping and bunker markets. The conclusions about the inseparability of the considered factors, as well as the need for their further comprehensive consideration in order to create a common algorithm for managing energy efficiency in the inland navigation were made.

ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS FOR SHIP POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS

The article provides an overview and analysis of all main types of potable water systems currently used on inland and mixed navigation vessels: without potable water treatment; with elements of potable water disinfection and conditioning; with complete purification and disinfection of potable water. The operation principles of potable water systems of all types and designs are considered in detail, all the advantages and disadvantages of these systems are noted. Special attention is paid to stations for preparing potable water by using UV lamps, which essentially differ in the technological process from most of the stations used, and provide guaranteed high-quality disinfection of potable water, which allows to choose the most promising station type and outline a plan for further work on creating new and improving existing stations.

Оценка устойчивости ребер судового корпуса с потерявшей устойчивость обшивкой

Plating and floors of inland and mixed navigation vessels buckle earlier than their stiffeners. This paper studies what effect it has upon the stability of longitudinal stiffeners and demonstrates that plating and floor bucklings actually reduce Euler stresses in “stiffener-plating” system.

The method of diagnosing objects of the ship power plant of inland navigation vessels

The main provisions of the method for determining the technical state of the ship’s power plant for inland navigation vessels, based on the use of system analysis, in accordance with which the objects of the power plant are conditionally ranked, are described in this article. The indicators of their technical state, determined by the testimony of numerous sensors, installed on these objects, are appropriately transformed into partial criteria of the technical state, and systemic synthesis, allowing numerous technical state criteria to be used to determine the integral indices of the technical state. The method is to be applied in automated systems for diagnosing power plants and their objects.

Оценка факторов, определяющих энергоэффективность судов внутреннего плавания

Оценка факторов, определяющих энергоэффективность судов внутреннего плавания

Emission fingerprint of inland navigation vessels compared with road traffic, domestic heating and ocean going vessels

Despite increasing need for cargo shipping, little knowledge exists on emissions from inland navigation. Here we characterized and compared patterns of metals, and parent-, thio- and alkylated PAHs in gaseous and particulate emissions from inland navigation vessels (INVs) with those of road traffic, domestic heating (solid fuels) and ocean going vessels (OGVs) using data from this study and the literature. Diagnostic tools for tracing the environmental impact of inland navigation are proposed. INV and diesel fueled road traffic emissions were differentiated from OGVs and coal combustion via V/Ni values. The PAH inventory of particulate INV emissions also differed significantly from other emitters via a higher proportion of three ring PAHs. The ratio of phenanthrene to dibenzothiophene distinguished diesel fueled road traffic, lignite combustion, OGVs and INVs from gasoline fueled road traffic and wood combustion. The 1,7/(1,7+2,6) and 1,7/(1,7+x4) dimethylphenanthrene ratios (x4=sum of 1,3-, 2,10-, 3,9- and 3,10-dimethylphenanthrene) separated INV, road traffic (diesel), domestic heating and OGV emissions and are recommended for future application in environmental quality studies.