Simulation study to assess the effect of ship beam on the navigable flow conditions in Paris

Traversing the river Seine in Paris is challenging for inland vessels due to the density and diversity of local traffic that is encountered in a confined environment. The waterway authority, Voies navigables de France (VNF), commissioned a study to assess the relevance of the current regulations when vessels of varying types cross Paris. A first simulation study showed that regulations based on length only may be too restrictive for ships with smaller beams [1]. This paper presents additional simulations executed on a full mission bridge simulator with ships of reduced beam. The main bottlenecks happen at different locations depending on the ship’s beam and ships with smaller beam can sail at higher water levels than the ships considered in the first study. The maximum water levels for which safe passage is possible were determined for each ship. Finally, recommendations have been formulated, which were then discussed with VNF and stakeholders.