
Operations Research
MITAGS offers over twenty years of full-mission shiphandling simulation experience to terminal/ship designers and engineers. Our in-house team of modelers and shiphandling experts can assist in finding solutions to tough operational questions. Our two Full Mission DNV Class A simulators have a proven record of high-fidelity results. The recent $ 2 million dollar upgrade included the integration of 330-degree and 100-degree tug simulators with the Full-Mission simulator. The system also has the capability of integrating another six "ownship" part-task simmulators. The combination of staff experience and simulation capabilities makes MITAGS an ideal location to conduct operational research studies involving the following parameters:
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|
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Environmental and Operational Factors
to be Considered |
Costal Ports |
Bay Ports |
Riverine Ports |
Offshore Terminals |
|
Wind (Direction and Magnitude) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Waves (Direction and Magnitude) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Currents (Direction and Magnitude) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Visibility Restrictions (Fog, Rain, Snow, and Sand) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Packed Ice and Ice Bergs |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Channel Width (Maneuvering Room, Distance to Bank, and Bank Effects) |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Channel Alignment (Bend Width, Degree of Turn, Length of Bend, and Separation between Bends) |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Channel Depth |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Topography/Bathymetry (Water Depth Outside the Channel and Land Shadowing of Wind) |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Operational Obstructions in the Channel |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Navigational Aid Placement |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Underkeel Clearance (Shallow Water Effects, Ship Squat, and Trim) |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Ship Load Condition and Trim |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Ship Design Comparison |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Layout and Berth Maneuvering Area |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Mooring Arrangements |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Electronic Navigation Systems Configuration and Performance |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Bridge Team Performance Assessment |
X |
X |
X |
X |
MITAGS' current and prior Simulation Studies include the following:
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Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal placement.
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Vessel operational limits and transit plans.
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Emergency response procedures.
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Channel design (width and shape to reduce dredging).
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Escort tug horsepower requirements and procedures.
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Channel current patterns and flow rates.
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Berthing and channel configurations.
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Ranges and other navigational aids placement.
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Towing and pushing configurations.
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Lightering and underway replenishment operations.
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Single point mooring and float storage platforms.
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Security escort procedures.
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Pilot and tug familiarization/training.
MITAGS has also developed partnerships with leading experts in the areas of ship modeling, channel current flow, and tug assist operations. Current consulting partners include the following:
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Waterway Simulation Technology.
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Towing Solutions.
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Dr. Vladimir Ankudinov, Director of Hydrodynamic Modeling and Research with Transas Marine.
For more information on MITAGS' operational research capabilities, staff member resumes, or past projects information, please download the information listed below in the "Downloads" section. You may also contact Captain Robert Becker toll-free at (866) 656-5569 or via e-mail rbecker@mitags.org.
Downloads:
Simulation Areas and Ship Models Rev 8/28/08