Effects Of Control Systems On Optimization Of Ship Size For Navigation In Restricted Waters Of The Great Lakes

The study examined the question of how alteration of traditional channel clearances (i.e., three times ship width for one-way channels, and seven to eight times vessel beam for two-way traffic) would affect the economics of increasing the ship's dimensions. First there was a study of ship dimension optimization, holding draft constant, to meet Great Lakes depth constraints. It was found that the optimum-sized vessel is approximately 1,250' in length, 156' in width, and has a 27.2' draft (maximum allowable without dredging). The second task was to estimate the costs required to modify channels and harbors to accommodate the optimally-sized ship. Grant no. NOAA-79AA-D00093