Simulation Study to Assess the Maximum Dimensions of Inland Ships on the River Seine in Paris

Abstract

Traversing the river Seine in Paris is challenging for inland navigation vessels due to the density and diversity of local traffic and the variety of manoeuvres to be encountered in a confined environment. The waterway authority, Voies Navigables de France (VNF), commissioned a study to assess the relevance of the current regulations when present and future vessels of varying types and dimensions cross Paris. This paper describes the use of fast time and real time simulations to assess the maximum dimensions of ships crossing the Seine in Paris. In a first phase, fast time simulations were executed with a track controller, which allowed to identify bottlenecks on the full length (12 km) of the river Seine in Paris. Based on those results, critical scenarios were selected to be tested on a full mission bridge simulator by skippers familiar with the crossing of Paris. Inspired by PIANC INCOM WG 141 Detailed Design and Safety and Ease Approaches, the main challenges related to the simulation setup and the assessment methodology are presented and discussed in this paper. The simulations have shown that the main bottlenecks are related to the succession of passages under narrow bridges with non-aligned openings. The maximum water levels for which safe passage is possible, were determined for each ship type and compared with the existing regulations. Finally, recommendations were formulated, which were then discussed with VNF, end users and stakeholders.