Features of control and navigation of large container ships during their operation in difficult navigational and meteorological conditions

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to consider the features of control and navigation of large container ships during their operation in difficult navigational and hydro-meteorological conditions. Ways to increase the safety of operation of large container ships by means of navigation and control are proposed, which should solve the problem of frequent accidents of container ships. The relatively recent most large-scale maritime accidents (MA) of container ships have been considered and analysed. The main causes of these MAs are determined, in view of which, a new algorithm for the operation of the navigation bridge of container ships is proposed, based on the use of new approaches to management and navigation. Proposals have been developed regarding the expediency of using ship control systems and bow thrusters during navigation in canals, fairways and mooring. Attention have been paid to the maneuvering of ultra large container carriers (ULCC). Due to the fact that the block coefficient of the ULCC vessel hull is relatively large, and the deviation of the force vector from the accumulated active moment of inertia because of the increased speed can reach 40º from the vessel’s course, the behaviour of such vessels when sailing in difficult navigational conditions has certain features. It requires the use of fundamentally new means of navigation and control from the shipmasters, taking into account the design features of such vessels. In addition, container ships have great wind area, compared to vessels of other types. Moreover, wind area reaches high values, both when fully loaded and in the ballast condition, which is a distinctive feature of container ships. It is proposed to use a mathematical model with the help of which the safety criterion is determined when sailing large-sized container ships in difficult navigational and hydro-meteorological conditions, which depends on the stability of the vessel on turning circle, wind area, hydro-meteorological conditions, etc., which allow maintaining the controll of such vessels to keep them on the vessel's course.