Terblanche, LRossouw, MTroch, Christophe NA2025-03-102025-03-102024-04http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14137Existing spatial and infrastructural limitations of Port Victoria and its potential effect on Seychelles' economy have made the expansion of the port essential for future development. To accommodate post­Panamax container vessels and fuel tankers with static drafts of up to 14 m, the port basin and access channel must be expanded and deepened. The design approach for the new access channel comprised: an assessment of the existing vertical and horizontal channel dimensions; a conceptual design, based on empirical channel design guidelines; and a detailed probabilistic assessment using ship motion and navigation simulation models. Fast-time navigation simulations were conducted and supplemented with real-time simulations. The navigation simulation data were statistically analysed to confirm the alignment and horizontal dimensions of the access channel. The vertical dimensions of the channel were determined by a vertical response analysis of the design vessel to ensure sufficient under-keel clearance while transiting the channel. The use of modelling and simulation proved to be valuable in refining the dimensions necessary for the safe navigation and manoeuvring of the proposed design vessels. These dimensions informed the dredging requirements for the project.FulltextenChannel DesignNavigationSimulationUnder Keel ClearanceConference Presentationn/a