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Open Container Ports |
In June 2012, a paper by Martijn de Jong, Jan-Joost Schouten and Otto Weiler about Open Ports was published. See paper, de Jong et al. - Open water ports - a sustainable design approach.pdf. Based on their paper I will further assess the feasibility of an "Open Port". An open port in this context is an unprotected port in exposed waters. My study will focus on ports for container vessels. Why an open port? - The port could be located a some distance from the coast, in this way a large natural water depth is provided an dredging is not needed for container vessels with large drafts; - Expensive breakwaters may not be needed; - The port will not disturb the morphological environment in the surfzone; - Easy expansion possibilities. Crucial points: - Container handling requires strict criteria for maximum motions. How could we moor a container vessel in open water when only little motions are allowed? - Location analysis. Where could we locate an open port? Thinks of calm environmental conditions and beneficial economical conditions.  Image Added
Nearshore container port of Doraleh, Djibouti | 