A new approach for managing ports
Ports all over Europe are increasingly processing passengers, goods and larger ships from all over the world. The EU-funded project 'Effective operation in ports' (Efforts) studied ways to increase the efficiency of European ports and improve their management. It focused on navigation within ports, environment and port organisations, looking closely at human resources development as well. Advanced technical support is necessary to cope with expansion in shipping activity and ship size,and to minimise negative environmental impacts that could emerge from collisions or from running aground. In this light, the project developed three-dimensional (3D) tug simulators to model manoeuvring in ports. It analysed fender and collision forces, as well as wave-thrust interaction, to help visualise and model actual conditions effectively. The Efforts project also designed a lightweight, easy-to-use portable pilot unit (PPU) for use onboard with touch screen capabilities that work on different operating systems and mobile devices. The technology allows information sharing between the tug master and the vessel pilot to improve manoeuvring. In addition, Efforts developed a new standard for electronic chart display (ENC) systems so they can work with existing ENC technology both inland and at sea. The resulting system proved to be very accurate and used 3D port and fairway modelling. With respect to environment, the project worked on preserving port water quality and air quality, as well as minimising noise, managing energy and addressing harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water. It developed a decision support tool to help monitor emissions and costs, considering wind power for producing renewable energy as well. Efforts team members proposed new risk assessment and management practices to increase productivity, in addition to improving information exchange and recommending standards in different areas. They built an online risk management platform that also addressed infrastructure modifications. Lastly, the project addressed educational and training needs of port management staff, considering knowledge, skills and behaviour of port workers. All these recommendations are bound to improve port management and respect its environment more than ever before.
