CHARACTERISTICS ANALYSIS OF VESSEL TRAFFIC FLOW AND ITS MATHEMATICAL MODEL

Authors

Zhao Liu, Hubei Key Laboratory of Inland Shipping Technology, School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
Jingxian Liu, Hubei Key Laboratory of Inland Shipping Technology, School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China. National Engineering Research Center for Water Transport Safety, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
Zongzhi Li, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA.
Ryan Wen Liu, Hubei Key Laboratory of Inland Shipping Technology, School of Navigation, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.Follow
Naixue Xiong, Department of Business and Computer Science, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, OK, USA.Follow

Abstract

Vessel traffic flow (VTF) is crucial for navigation safety, navigation efficiency, and port planning. In this paper, we analyze the structure and behavior of VTF in terms of both static and dynamic aspects according to the characteristics of ship motion. Moreover, the microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of VTF are analyzed according to the characteristics of a single ship as well as those of a large number of ships. We propose a model of vessel traffic flow characteristics (VTFC) by using the AND-OR graph that can represent the type and structure and behavior of VTF and their relationships. The proposed model consists of three levels, and the relationship among these levels is mathematically rendered. We then construct a mathematical model of VTFC, and use an example from Tianjin Port to demonstrate the effectiveness of our model. Our research provides theoretical support for statistical analysis of VTF, and can be used in practical applications to ensure navigation safety, improve navigation efficiency, and guide port layout planning.

Recommended Citation

Liu, Zhao; Liu, Jingxian; Li, Zongzhi; Liu, Ryan Wen; and Xiong, Naixue (2017) "CHARACTERISTICS ANALYSIS OF VESSEL TRAFFIC FLOW AND ITS MATHEMATICAL MODEL," Journal of Marine Science and Technology: Vol. 25: Iss. 2, Article 25.
DOI: 10.6119/JMST-017-0109-1
Available at: https://jmstt.ntou.edu.tw/journal/vol25/iss2/25