Evaluation method of ship-handling difficulty for navigation in restrictedand congested waterways

This-paper develops a quantitative model for evaluating the difficulty of s hip-handling caused by a restricted manoeuvring area or by traffic congesti on or by a combination of both. It includes acceptance criteria based on th e mariner's perception Of safety.:An attempt is made to evaluate the model by applying it to the specific environmental conditions of major ports in:J apan. The model can provide information on the degree of Ship-handling diff iculty and so enable better design of infrastructure for waterways.