Inland Vessels Research Articles

Analysis of inland waterway vessel propulsion by criterion efficiency, ecology and safety

The paper analyses the propulsion systems of inland waterway vessels according to the criteria of economic efficiency, ecology and safety. The professional experience of the authors and their expert knowledge indicate that always the increase of safety level as well as ecological solutions are realized at the expense of economic efficiency. Therefore, arguing for the result of such analysis, the features of water bodies, port infrastructure and elements which should influence the selection of propulsion systems, features of various types of power and fuels with their energy value guaranteeing the swimming range were described. Types of propulsion systems were characterized and a model of selection of propulsion system to the type of sailing was presented. The analysis presented in the article is necessary for a reliable assessment of the accuracy of the selection of the propulsion system for the actual conditions of operation of sea and inland waterway vessels, i.e. for the type of the vessel and its suitability to perform operational tasks on specific waterways.

AI-Aided Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial 6G Solutions for Sustainable Maritime Networking

The maritime industry is experiencing a technological revolution that affects shipbuilding, operation of both seagoing and inland vessels, cargo management, and working practices in harbors. This ongoing transformation is driven by the ambition to make the ecosystem more sustainable and cost-efficient. Digitalization and automation help achieve these goals by transforming shipping and cruising into a much more cost- and energy-efficient and decarbonized industry segment. The key enablers in these processes are always-available connectivity and content delivery services, which can not only aid shipping companies in improving their operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, but also contribute to enhanced crew welfare and passenger experience. Due to recent advancements in integrating high-capacity and ultra-reliable terrestrial and non-terrestrial networking technologies, ubiquitous maritime connectivity is becoming a reality. To cope with the increased complexity of managing these integrated systems, this article advocates the use of artificial intelligence and machine-learning-based approaches to meet the service requirements and energy efficiency targets in various maritime communications scenarios.

Inland vessels emission inventory: distribution and emission characteristics in the Red River, Hanoi, Vietnam

PurposeShipping is a major source of air pollution, causing severe impacts on the environment and human health, greatly contributing to the creation of greenhouse gases and influencing climate change. The research was investigated to provide a better insight into the emission inventories in the Red River in Hanoi (Vietnam) that is often heavily occupied as the primary route for inner-city waterway traffic.Design/methodology/approachThe total emissions of seven different pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SOx, CO, CO2, NOx and HC) were estimated using the SPD-GIZ emission calculation model.FindingsThe results show that CO2 has the most significant contribution to the gas volume emitted: 103.21 tons/day. Remarkably, bulk carriers are the largest emission vehicle, accounting for more than 97% of total emissions, due to their superior number and large capacity.Social implicationsThe result to have a roadmap for making efforts to fulfil its commitment so that it could achieve its net-zero climate target by 2050 in Vietnam as committed at COP26.Originality/valueIn this research, the number of vehicles and types of vessels travelling on the Red River flowing within Hanoi territory and other activity data are reported. The tally data will be used to estimate emissions of seven different pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SOx, CO, CO2, NOx and HC) using a method combining both top-down and bottom-up approaches.

Adaptive Learning of Inland Ship Power Propulsion under Environmental Disturbances

This paper presents an adaptive approximation-based scheme for learning a partially known ship power propulsion plant under various environmental conditions. Considering the effect of water depth on the engine power, a dynamic model is defined comprised of the engine dynamics and the 1-DoF ship manoeuvring dynamics. The modelling challenge is the determination of ship resistance. To meet this challenge analytical modelling of ship resistance is combined with an error-filtering online learning (EFOL) scheme for computing an approximation of the unmodeled part of ship resistance related to wind and air. After simulations under multiple weather conditions, the trained model was demonstrated to efficiently estimate the unmodelled part of the ship resistance for an inland vessel.

Scheduling Inland Waterway Transport Vessels and Locks Using a Switching Max-Plus-Linear Systems Approach

This paper considers the inland waterborne transport (IWT) problem, and presents a scheduling approach for inland vessels and locks to generate optimal vessel and lock timetables. The scheduling strategy is designed in the switching max-plus-linear (SMPL) systems framework, as these are characterized by a number of features that make them well suited to represent the IWT problem. In particular, the resulting model is linear in the max-plus algebra, and SMPL systems can switch between modes, an interesting feature due to the presence of vessel routing and ordering constraints in the model. Moreover, SMPL systems can be transformed into mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problems, for which efficient solvers are available. Finally, a realistic case study is used to test the approach and assess its effectiveness.

Toward Optimal MEC-Based Collision Avoidance System for Cooperative Inland Vessels: A Federated Deep Learning Approach

Cooperative collision avoidance between inland waterway ships is among the envisioned services on the Internet of Ships. Such a service aims to support safe navigation while optimizing ships' trajectories. However, to deploy it, timely and accurate prediction of ships' positioning with real-time reactions is needed to anticipate collisions. In such a context, ships positions are usually predicted using advanced Machine Learning (ML) techniques. Traditionally, ML schemes require that the data be processed in a centralized way, e.g., a cloud data center managed by a third party. However, these schemes are not suitable for the collisions avoidance service due to the inaccessibility of ships' positioning data by this third party, and allowing connected ships to get access to sensitive information. Therefore, in this paper, we design a new cooperative collision avoidance system for inland ships, while ensuring data security and privacy. Our system is based on deep federated learning to collaboratively build a model of ship positioning prediction, while avoiding sharing their private data. In addition, it is deployed at multi-access edge computing (MEC) level to provide low-latency communication to ensure fast responses during collision detection. Furthermore, it relies on Blockchain and smart contracts to ensure trust and valid communications between ships and MEC nodes. We evaluate the proposed system using a generated dataset representing ships mobility in France. The results, which demonstrate the accuracy of our prediction model, prove the effectiveness of our cooperative collision avoidance system in ensuring timely and reliable communications and avoiding collisions between ships.

INVESTIGATION OF HULL STRENGTH OF RIVER SEA CONTAINER VESSEL

River sea vessels are ships for inland navigation and suitable for restricted navigation at sea in regions where, - significant wave height does not exceed 2m, according to Bureau Veritas Rules for the classification of inland vessels. In a container vessel structure, almost the entire deck space is occupied by hatches, leaving a narrow strip of deck plating outboard. This calls for a topside structure of heavy plating or a double hull to provide material in tension, stiffness against lateral and torsional loads, and resistance to buckling in compression when the vessel is in sagging condition. For sea going open deck vessels, torsional loading plays a predominant part to the hull girder strength and for inland navigation open deck vessels; the effect of torsion is rather negligible. Keeping this scenario in mind, the aim of this project is to investigate the hull strength of a river sea container vessel under combined bending and torsional loading to study the effect of torsion on river sea open deck vessel. To perform the strength analysis, firstly, a finite element model is created using Femap with NX Nastran software for the investigated vessel. Therefore, still water and wave loads are calculated using direct calculation. To find out the still water loads Argos software is used and for the wave induced loads potential flow software Hydrostar is used. Next, Finite element model is verified with classical beam theory and thin wall girder theory. Then the effect of various loading conditions on structural response is investigated. After, structural response of different hull configurations are scrutinized under combined bending and torsional loading. Finally, some recommendations are proposed for structural response of river sea container vessel subjected to combined bending and torsional loading.

Determination and modelling of NOX and particulate matter (PM) emissions from inland vessels at berth

Determination and modelling of NOX and particulate matter (PM) emissions from inland vessels at berth

Analysis on Supervision of Oil Pollution Prevention System for Inland Vessels

Analysis on Supervision of Oil Pollution Prevention System for Inland Vessels

Influence of the Hull Shape on the Energy Demand of a Small Inland Vessel with Hybrid Propulsion

Abstract Recently, there has been a significant development of ecological propulsion systems, which is in line with the general trend of environmentally friendly “green shipping”. The main aim is to build a safe, low-energy passenger ship with a highly efficient, emission-free propulsion system. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. The article presents the main problems encountered by designers and constructors already at the stage of designing the unit. The research conducted made it possible to create a design with an effective shape of the hull, with the prospect of an energy-efficient and safe propulsion system with good manoeuvrability. The scope of the research included towing tank tests, recalculation of the results in full-scale objects and a prediction of the energy demand of the propulsion system. The results obtained were compared to indicate power supply variants depending on the hull shape.

Considerations regarding reducing Danube navigation emissions

Some results of the concept working out are proposed to improve ecological parameters in the inland Danube navigation by increasing energy efficiency of the already owned fleet at the basis of possible methods, which also were proposed during GRENDEL (Green and Efficient Danube Fleet) Project, finished in November, 2020. It has been a pilot project directed to coordinate the Danube fleet modernization according to the European Green Deal conception. The results, introduced during GRENDEL Final Event show an active interest of all participants to the main objectives of the project, and both to the prolongation of investigations in this sphere. Obviously, the main interest is concentrated around issues of harmful emissions of ship main engines decreasing as soon as preparing Danube inland vessels for using technologies of zero emission. However, very expensive practical realization, Danube market falling, pandemic limitations, points of wasteland in Danube countries economics – these all factors make impossible to use modern findings and solutions in sphere of the Danube fleet modernization for today’s shipowners. Nowadays shipowners are using to feel financial deficits even for current operational maintenance. The best way to rich zero emission fast is implementation of governmental regulatory and financial support planes, which unfortunately are too far from developing and realization. The only result could be reached by shipping companies is to find the ways to improve energy efficiency for existing fleet. It will also lead to better ecological parameters.

Manoeuvrability of vessels in inland waterways and safety of navigation

ABSTRACT A green and sustainable mode of transport, the inland waterway transport in India will see accelerated growth with the new Inland Vessels Act, 2021. This increased traffic growth in restricted waters will lead to economic, environmental, and safety challenges. Good manoeuvrability of inland vessels is critical to resolve these concerns. The world over, inefficient manoeuvring has resulted in several incidents which have affected the safety of navigation and maritime trade. Manoeuvrability of seagoing vessels must meet the minimum standards as per International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution MSC.137(76) and the MEPC1/Circ850/Rev.3 guidelines. In comparison, only a few countries, river commissions, and classification societies have specified criteria for navigation tests for inland vessels, and this does not include India. Manoeuvrability criteria and results of the tests are essential to facilitate the safe movement of vessels. This article discusses the results of full-scale manoeuvrability tests of inland vessels conducted by the author on India's national waterways and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route. It proposes manoeuvrability criteria for inland vessels plying in the inland waterways of India, including cross-regional protocol routes. The article also recommends measures to improve the safety of navigation in inland waters.

ON THE INVESTIGATION OF WIND GENERATED WAVES IN BANGLADESH RIVERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF STABILITY REQUIREMENTS IN INLAND VESSEL DESIGN

Standard environmental condition is one of the main inputs in designing a vessel especially in assessment of stability condition. The performance based minimum stability requirements are determined by assessing vessels' dynamic failure modes. Winds as well as wind generated waves are the main factors that affect a specific vessel’s dynamics. Wind generated waves in rivers though are usually small in comparison with ocean waves may play a crucial role behind inland vessels accidents. The river condition of a crucial location in Bangladesh inland river routes is assessed where wind velocities have been taken for a specific duration from a reliable secondary source. A narrow fetch model that considers the wave generation in off-wind direction for estimating wind wave parameters has been used to consider the spiral shape of Bangladesh inland routes. The Bretschneider energy spectrum model for short term wave state is compared with the fetch limited model JONSWAP for the estimated wave condition. This study indicates the rationality of conforming the safety level of Bangladesh inland vessels equivalent to river-sea vessels as defined by other nationals and the classification societies. The wave parameters that are estimated in this study can be used to form a limited wave scatter table for predicting short term environmental conditions to assess the dynamic stability failure modes of the vessels.

Design study of stern tunnel wedge shapes for a low draft shallow water vessel

ABSTRACT The hydrodynamic design of inland vessels mainly relies on resistance, propulsion, maneuvering, squat, and wash effects. From the propulsion point of view, inland vessels are mostly provided with a stern tunnel to overcome the limitations of the low draft by accommodating a propeller of larger diameter to have higher propulsive efficiency. The present work examines the influence of stern tunnel geometry on the resistance of an inland vessel in fully loaded and ballast conditions using model experiments and CFD investigations. Also, to ensure the propeller immersion in ballast conditions, the stern tunnel water entrainment properties are studied. Furthermore, to understand the stern tunnel-propeller interaction effects and propulsion coefficients, self-propulsion simulations using CFD are performed. The design study presented in this paper highlights the influence of stern tunnel configuration on the propulsion performance of an inland vessel in deep and shallow water.

Methodology for optimising the hull shape of a vessel with restricted draft

Increasing transport volumes on Europe's inland waterways is a major reason for improving the quality and reliability of internationally important waterways. Continued navigation restrictions due to restricted draft (draught) led to the search for new design solutions. Such solutions enable navigation even under critical navigation conditions. Restricted draft is one of the most important limitations that hinder navigation, especially in the summer. The main objective of the construction of an inland vessel is to obtain a shape that will achieve optimum performance with as little resistance as possible. A shape that will be able to navigate at a limited depth. Presently, there is no clearly defined methodology as a procedure for optimising the hull. When solving theoretical problems of shipbuilding character and ship calculations, it is necessary to consider the basic theory of the ship with special regard to the latest methodological procedures of related scientific disciplines. This paper presents a methodology that considers all the basic aspects of optimisation tasks in ship design and construction.

Development of Precise Point Positioning Algorithm to Support Advanced Driver Assistant Functions for Inland Vessel Navigation

Development of Precise Point Positioning Algorithm to Support Advanced Driver Assistant Functions for Inland Vessel Navigation

The Inland Vessels Act, 2021- Foundation, Novelty, and Future

The Inland Vessels Act, 2021- Foundation, Novelty, and Future

Potential and Use of the Googlenet Ann for the Purposes of Inland Water Ships Classification

Abstract This article presents an analysis of the possibilities of using the pre-degraded GoogLeNet artificial neural network to classify inland vessels. Inland water authorities monitor the intensity of the vessels via CCTV. Such classification seems to be an improvement in their statutory tasks. The automatic classification of the inland vessels from video recording is a one of the main objectives of the Automatic Ship Recognition and Identification (SHREC) project. The image repository for the training purposes consists about 6,000 images of different categories of the vessels. Some images were gathered from internet websites, and some were collected by the project’s video cameras. The GoogLeNet network was trained and tested using 11 variants. These variants assumed modifications of image sets representing (e.g., change in the number of classes, change of class types, initial reconstruction of images, removal of images of insufficient quality). The final result of the classification quality was 83.6%. The newly obtained neural network can be an extension and a component of a comprehensive geoinformatics system for vessel recognition.

Additional Test Manoeuvres for Autonomous Inland Vessels

Standardised test manoeuvres are used to identify the manoeuvrability of a vessel. Currently, most of these tests are unsatisfactory to properly judge the manoeuvring capabilities of an inland vessel which sails in different environments than the seagoing ships for which these tests were initially designed. Moreover, inland vessels tend to have non-conventional propulsion systems and configurations which further decreases the adequacy of these standardised tests. Therefore, this study investigates the inland-applicability of these existing standardised test manoeuvres. In addition, this study suggests three new manoeuvres: (i) the Counter Thrust Test, (ii) the Sine Angle Test, and (iii) the Simultaneous Zigzag Test. In order to validate the suitability of these tests, an autonomous inland cargo vessel performed two of these suggested manoeuvres, (i) and (ii), and one existing manoeuvre, named the Crabbing test. The data of these experiments show fruitful insights in the wide range of manoeuvring capabilities of the examined inland vessel, which the standardised tests would not have uncovered.

An Inland Shore Control Centre for Monitoring or Controlling Unmanned Inland Cargo Vessels

Augmenting the automation level of the inland waterway cargo transport sector, coupled with mechatronic innovation in this sector, could increase its competitiveness. This increase might potentially induce a sustainable paradigm shift in the road-dominated inland cargo transport sector. A key enabler of this envisaged shift may be an inland shore control centre (I-SCC) capable of remotely monitoring and controlling inland vessels. Accordingly, this study investigated the concept and design requirements to achieve an inland I-SCC that provides interaction services when supervising an unmanned surface vessel (USV). This I-SCC can help its operator to develop situational awareness and sensemaking. The conducted experiments offered insights into the performance of both the I-SCC system and its operator, and unlock research on the impact on ship sense and harmony when remotely controlling a USV. The Hull-To-Hull project extends the current I-SCC by providing enhanced motion control. This enhancement enables further performance insights and might improve the future monitoring of USVs. The successful I-SCC construction, the preliminary experiments, and the design-extension demonstrate that the I-SCC can serve as an experimental platform for both mechatronic innovation and human-automation integration research in the inland waterway sector, whilst additionally providing fruitful knowledge for adjacent research domains.