Development of Decision Supporting Tools for Determining Tidal Windows for Deep-drafted Vessels

A decision supporting tool named ProToel for determining tidal windows for deep-drafted ves-sels arriving at or departing from the Belgian harbours, based on both deterministic and probabilistic criteria, has been developed. The program is presently being evaluated as a short-term decision tool by the pilots and waterways authorities for optimising the shipping traffic to the coastal harbour of Zeebrugge. The software can also be applied for long-term considerations, as is illustrated in the case of the port of Antwerp. Some re-flections are made considering the extension of the tool to include other factors that may affect the safety of shipping traffic, such as interaction with banks and with other shipping traffic.