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Abstract

Pilotage is a primary service offered by ports, ensuring the safe passage of entering and exiting vessels. This study applied motion prediction analysis to large vessels navigating the constrained waterways of Kaohsiung Port’s second harbor. To address the needs of pilots and port operators, a simplified planar motion equation was developed that incorporated speed over ground and rate of turn (ROT) as primary variables. The model relied on inputs of limited navigational data, enabling pilots to predict changes in heading and position over time and determine the conditions for safe harbor entry. Vessel paths and turning angles were analyzed to address the challenges associated with navigating the second harbor’s channels. Safety during turning maneuvers, especially as vessels proceed toward container terminals, was emphasized through an examination of ROT values at varying speeds to ensure collision avoidance and optimal maneuvering. Inclusion of these parameters within port regulations or recommendations could allow pilots to operate with a more precise set of maneuvering benchmarks aligned with Kaohsiung Port’s unique spatial constraints.

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