AMOG's scope of work for this project was the hydrodynamic modelling in support the Port of Melbourne Channel Deepening Study. This included the assessment of; squat of vessels in shallow and restricted waterways; the motions of typical vessels in the channel approaches and bay; vessel under keel clearance; the interaction forces between vessels passing and vessels at berth; the wash generated by the passage of vessels; and vessel operating limitations and port operating guidelines.

Hydrodynamic analyses of tanker and container ships were conducted for a range of wave/swell conditions and vessel speeds to determine the dynamic motions of the vessels transiting through the channels of the Port of Melbourne. Response Amplitude Operators (RAO’s) were calculated to allow assessment of vessel dynamic motions for any wave condition. The dynamic vessel motions were used as inputs to calculate the required channel depth to allow vessels to transit safely during the required sea conditions, and to establish vessel and port operating guidelines in accordance with PIANC.

AMOG proprietary computer models were used to calculate the: suction forces acting between vessel passing in a two way channel, suction force acting on a berthed ship due to passage of a ship in the channel, impact of tanker / container ship wash on recreational vessels. Comparison of numerically predicted vessel wash results to field measurements, relevant standards for recreational vessel marinas, and PIANC guidelines for channel design were provided.