Limitation and Restrictions on the Admission of Postpanamax Container Ships in the Port of Koper

Original scientific paper The recent global container transport increase amounts to about 8-10% on a yearly basis in the Port of Koper in 2012 it was 570,744 TEU, which brings Koper's increase to 850% over the last 15 years. Despite the global recession, the decline in container transport in 2009 was minimal. A great increase in transport followed in the year 2010 which was partly a consequence of the introduction of a direct line between Asia and the north Adriatic. Further increases in container traffic depend primarily on the technological readiness of the Port of Koper. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in transport mechanization and hinterland connections, but also to provide sufficient draught and a properly shaped channel to ensure a safe approach for larger container vessels calling at the Port of Koper. The paper presents statistics and methods supporting container terminal enlargement and a safety and environmental assessment derived from the use of a ship handling simulator with specific consideration given to the problem of increasing re-sedimentation caused by larger, more intrusive container carriers.