Navigational obstructions in shipping can cause significant disruptions for both commercial and recreational sectors. Whether due to natural causes, accidents, or planned maintenance, each obstruction requires an effective approach to minimize the impact on shipping and the economy.
What causes navigational obstructions in shipping?
- Natural causes: Consider extreme weather conditions such as fog, ice flows, or high water, which make safe passage impossible.
- Accidents: Collisions or damages to water infrastructure such as locks and bridges can completely block a waterway.
- Maintenance and operations: Regular maintenance is necessary but can lead to temporary obstructions that affect shipping. A river barge named ‘Portland’ navigating under a bridge, with an overhead view of a highway bridge and traffic enhancing inland waterway safety.
The role of human errors and technological solutions
Research by the European Commission indicates that collisions with fixed objects, like bridges, are one of the primary causes of serious incidents on waterways. Human errors account for about 70-80% of accidents in inland shipping, where factors such as poor communication within the wheelhouse, time of day, and inadequate human-machine interfaces play significant roles. Sensor Maritime’s technologies, such as Bridgescout®, tackle these problems by enhancing human-machine interaction with intuitive interfaces and real-time data. This contributes to reducing human errors and increasing overall safety in inland shipping.
Sensor Maritime’s technological solutions
- Bridgescout® for height monitoring: This system provides real-time information on distances to bridges, allowing skippers to adjust their course in time to avoid collisions.
- Efficient communication: Through integrated systems like AIS, skippers can communicate directly with traffic control centers, which is essential for a quick response to obstructions.
- Data analysis: Sensor Maritime uses historical and current information to predict where obstructions might occur, which assists in maintenance planning and minimizes the impact on shipping.
Get in touch
While obstructions in shipping may not be entirely preventable, advanced technologies can significantly reduce their frequency and impact. Call us at +31 73 220 0454 or send an email to info@sensormaritime.com to discuss the possibilities. And of course, we would also love to discuss solutions over a cup of coffee!
