New project can pave the way for bigger vessels and higher speed in Limfjord

How large vessels can actually sail into the Limfjord via Hals Barre in the East, and how fast can ships sail without compromising security? That is what a new project by the international technological consulting and service company Force Technology shall help to shed light on using, amongst others, advanced calculations of the current between the ship and the seabed.

– Port of Aalborg has a very accurate map of the fjord’s depth, which is measured several times a week. Through the project, we shall develop mathematical models, which in conjunction with the depth measurements can enable more precise calculation of the biggest vessels that can safely sail to the port. The models also allow for other significant factors, such as how deep certain types of vessels run upon sailing and the size of waves that the ships generate. Powerful waves can be risky for e.g., nearby marinas, explains Ole Lindberg, specialist at Force Technology, who is behind the project concerning entry at Port of Aalborg.

The project expands upon experiences gained from a previous project for the safe and effective navigation of Danish ports, for which Ole was a project manager. He explains that the Port of Aalborg is a really good case to use in the new project.

– Port of Aalborg is the inland port in Denmark that is farthest inside a fjord. The long entry is performed through waters at a depth of around 10 metres, which is challenging for very large vessels. This is similar to other ports in the world such as Antwerp and Venice as well as the Suez Canal, which present similar challenges. Therefore, the results of this project can also be used elsewhere in Denmark and abroad, says Ole Lindberg.

Port of Aalborg is looking forward to the collaboration with Force Technology as well as the results of the project.

– Accurate information about the size and speed of vessels that can enter the port safely is a major factor in attracting new customers. Ships are getting bigger and bigger, however dredging the navigation channel would entail a three-figure million DKK investment, which is not commercially tenable. Consequently, it is crucial to know the precise conditions for both entry and mooring, thereby effectively increasing the draft of vessels entering Port of Aalborg. We call it intelligent deepening. As the case port for this project, we also have an opportunity to give our perspective on how the developed models can be both user-friendly and economically attractive to use, says Jesper Raakjær, Head of Development & HR at Port of Aalborg.

The project is funded by the Ministry for Higher Education and Science under the initiative Maritime green transition and security – virtual services. This is anchored with Force Technology, which as an Approved Technological Service Institute (GTS institute) is mandated to ensure the effective application of knowledge and technology in Danish industry. The project runs from 2021-2024 with ongoing evaluations.

For further information, please contact:

• Jesper Raakjær, Head of Development & HR, Port of Aalborg A/S, tel. +45 29 20 72 02 and jr@portofaalborg.com
• Press service: Maja Thordahl Schou, Head of Branding & PR, Port of Aalborg A/S, tel. +45 22 61 83 08 and mts@portofaalborg.com