Troch, Christophe NAHaasbroek, Sarel MTerblanche, LKieviet, Johan2025-02-182025-02-182024-05978-2-87223-041-9http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14040An Under-Keel Clearance (UKC) prediction system was developed for 6 of the major ports in South Africa. The objective of the system was to be cost-effective with minimal input requirements from the user and to integrate with the current port infrastructure to enhance decision-making. The UKC prediction system uses measured and modelled environmental data from the Integrated Ports Operation Support System (IPOSS), installed and operational at the ports. Since wave induced vertical vessel motions have a significant impact on the UKC of vessels at the South African ports, a detailed focus was placed on this environmental factor. A numerical wave modelling study was undertaken to determine the wave climate in the navigation channels of the ports using a combination of nested spectral and Boussinesq wave models. The motion response of the sailing design vessels in waves was calculated with the 3D Panel model WAVESCAT, from which the wave induced vertical amplitude of the vessels was determined. The wave induced vertical amplitude, together with other factors as prescribed in international guidelines with respect to UKC was used to develop an algorithm to predict present and forecast UKC for ships entering and leaving each port. The wave induced vertical amplitude of selected ships were verified by full-scale and model scale measurement campaigns. The results were in good agreement.FulltextenUnder-keel clearanceForecast systemsPortsNumerical modelsConference PresentationN/A