Navigation Support System for Narrow Waterways, a Case Study: Strait of Istanbul

A real time traffic control tool was developed for safe route navigation of vessels in the Strait of Istanbul. Using channel geometry, bathymetry, counter traffic, and surface currents as input, the model simulates possible maneuvers according to probable hydrodynamic conditions. The decision making algorithm starts after computing the probable trajectory tree of the vessel by forward-mapping its position distribution with respect to an initial position vector. The proposed software tool uses an experimentally verified container ship model and a proportional-derivative (PD) auto-pilot to represent the captain’s response. Two different algorithms are used for cases with and without clear and present collision risk. For both cases, the route with minimum casualty risk is found. In case of multiple “quasi-risky” routes, some safety based tie-breaker criteria are taken into account. Within certain restrictions on vessel geometry, the proposed tool predicts the safest route for transit vessels in the Strait based on the navigational parameters including position, speed, and course of the vessel. Proposed model can be used for any narrow channel with a vessel traffic system providing the necessary input.