Channel Dredging Optimisation & Vessel Access | Hong Kong

CONTEXT

Port authorities and terminal operators face continual pressure to accommodate larger vessels while maintaining safe and reliable access. Decisions about channel depth and dredging programmes often involve significant capital investment and long-term operational implications. 

CUSTOMER CHALLENGE

How deep and wide should a channel be dredged to safely accommodate future vessels without incurring unnecessary cost? And what incremental improvements in port operability and access arise from further incremental changes to the dredged channel profile?  

Decision-makers needed confidence that dredging investments would deliver the required access, safety and operational performance while avoiding over-design and unnecessary expenditure.

OUR SOLUTION

Using BMT REMBRANDT, our advanced vessel simulation and navigational analysis capability, BMT assessed vessel behaviour, probabilistic vertical motion, under-keel clearance requirements and channel performance across a range of operating conditions. By modelling different scenarios, we enabled stakeholders to evaluate alternative dredging strategies, understand operational and investment trade-offs, and optimise future infrastructure requirements with confidence.

• Navigation and operability studies
• Probabilistic vertical motion analysis
• Under-keel clearance assessment
• Dredging profile optimisation
• Channel design and assessment
• Vessel simulation and modelling
• Decision support and risk analysis

OUTCOME

The work developed a clear evidence base for channel design and dredging decisions, helping stakeholders optimise capital investment, maintain safe vessel access and improve confidence in long-term operational planning.

Questions We Helped Answer

EVALUATE

• How much dredging is required and where?
• What level of dynamic under-keel clearance is needed?
• What are the operational and financial implications of different options?
• How can we maintain safe access for larger vessels?

DECIDE

• What is the optimum channel depth?
• Where should dredging investment be focused and prioritised?
• How can we balance safety, access and cost?
• Are we making the right decision for future vessel demand?