Benchmark of Turning Basin Options for the ECMT Class V Network of Nord-Pas-de-Calais (France)

Abstract

The Nord-Pas-de-Calais Division of Voies navigables de France (VNF), the French Waterways authority, is preparing a master plan for the development of turning basins for its ECMT class V network. In this frame, IMDC has been asked to carry out a comparative analysis (benchmark) of the different designs of turning basins in France and elsewhere in the world and to propose design criteria adapted for future developments (for ships of 110 m and 135 m) on the Nord-Pas-de-Calais network. The first part of the study consisted in a desktop review of available national and international guidelines or recommendations on the subject of turning basins design. This helped building a better understanding of the needs in terms of geometry for safe and/or comfortable turning maneuvers. Technical studies of built or projected turning basins on the Nord-Pas-de-Calais network were also analyzed to refine the knowledge on local conditions. Based on the findings of the desktop analysis, interviews of European waterways authorities, international experts and skippers were carried out to further improve the understanding of the problem, both from the infrastructure side as well as from the users’ side. On top of geometry concerns, the interviews tackled hydrometeorological constraints, operational and environmental aspects, auxiliary equipment, etc. From this, a draft technical reference system was proposed for future turning basins on the Nord-Pas-de-Calais network. It proposes two options, depending on whether the basin is located on two banks or on one bank only, and aims at offering each option in two safety and ease levels: a comfort level version, on which the turn must always be relatively easy, and a safety level version, on which the turn must always be possible, but with less ease. The designs were then tested using real time navigation simulations. Optimizations of some of the designs were also proposed to adapt to severe hydro-meteorological conditions. Finally, a decision tree has been developed to facilitate the selection of a design solution according to the local characteristics of the projected basin location on the network. This tool allows the selection of the geometry allowing the easiest turn possible according to the available space and the hydrometeorological conditions present on the envisaged site.