Post-Panamax vessels entering PortMiami enter at high speeds due to the Gulf Stream but this also increases their squat. Baird measured the motion of 17 post-Panamax vessels entering PortMiami and used this to develop a web-based application to assist the pilots in determining safe navigation conditions.
The entrance channel at PortMiami is almost perpendicular to the Gulf Stream current, which requires post-Panamax vessels to enter the port at high speed to minimize their crab angle. However, this increases the vessel’s squat, and the channel was not designed for the larger PPX vessels. The pilots expressed concern about the increased chance of a vessel grounding as these larger vessels entered the port.
Baird measured the motion of 17 PPX vessels entering PortMiami and determined the heave, roll, pitch, and squat of these vessels. Baird modelled these vessels (and larger ones) under a wide range of tidal current, Gulf Stream current, waves, wind and tide conditions. A web-based application was developed to assist the pilots in determining safe navigation conditions. The pilots input the vessel type and draft into the web-based application along with the expected conditions during vessel transit. The various elements of under-keel clearance are then predicted. The pilots use this tool to support safe transit of the vessel into PortMiami.
Whiting, IN, USA
An assessment of storm damage to a rubble mound revetment protecting a park in Whiting, IN, along with the design and construction of emergency repair works and preliminary design development for comprehensive rehabilitation works for the structure.
Lake Nipigon, ON, Canada
Baird was retained to complete the planning, design and construction services to protect 1,400 metres of eroding shoreline on Whitesand First Nation traditional land, located on the north shore of Lake Nipigon. The design consisted of an armour stone revetment and slope stabilization.
