Research Article
A Study on the Safety Risks of Maritime Transport of Nickel Ore
Fuquan Fan,
Zhangfeng Ni,
Deling Wang*,
Hao Sun
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, April 2025
Pages:
1-10
Received:
21 January 2025
Accepted:
24 February 2025
Published:
13 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajtte.20251001.11
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Abstract: In recent years, the maritime industry has been confronted with a troubling trend: the increasing frequency of nickel ore transport accidents at sea. These incidents have cast a spotlight on the urgent need to bolster the safety protocols governing nickel ore sea transportation and to mitigate the risk of self-sinking in nickel ore carriers. This paper conducts an in - depth study of the cargo characteristics of nickel ore by reviewing relevant domestic and foreign literature on nickel ore transportation in the past decade and the relevant regulations of the latest IMSBC Code. Combining with the author's experience in nickel ore transportation during the tenure as a captain, the paper carefully explores the causes of liquefaction, and examines the adverse effects of the free surface and cargo movement on the ship's stability. It concludes that the principal culprit behind the self-sinking of nickel ore carriers is the excessive moisture content of the nickel ore cargo, which surpasses the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). This excess moisture precipitates cargo liquefaction within the ship's holds, giving rise to a free surface on the cargo and inducing cargo movement. These factors precipitously degrade vessel stability. When vessels laden with liquefied cargo encounter adverse maritime conditions—such as high winds and heavy seas—during transit, the risk of capsizing and sinking becomes perilously elevated. Based on the inherent challenges and risks in current maritime nickel ore transportation, this paper puts forward targeted countermeasures and emergency measures. That is, ships transporting nickel ore must strictly abide by the IMSBC Code and the relevant regulations of the ship management company regarding the transportation of flowable cargoes. These measures include controlling the moisture content of nickel ore before loading, ensuring the seaworthiness of the ship, formulating good cargo handling plans, establishing a reasonable transportation route, and developing emergency response measures to mitigate the risk of ship capsizing due to instability in emergency situations. These findings are intended to serve as a valuable compass for the safe operation of nickel ore transportation at sea, guiding industry stakeholders toward enhanced safety and risk management.
Abstract: In recent years, the maritime industry has been confronted with a troubling trend: the increasing frequency of nickel ore transport accidents at sea. These incidents have cast a spotlight on the urgent need to bolster the safety protocols governing nickel ore sea transportation and to mitigate the risk of self-sinking in nickel ore carriers. This p...
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Research Article
Roundabout Accessibility: A Canadian View
Omotunde Adeniran*
,
Juan Pernia
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, April 2025
Pages:
11-21
Received:
4 February 2025
Accepted:
18 March 2025
Published:
31 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajtte.20251001.12
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Abstract: Roundabouts are used for traffic calming, have cheaper lifetime costs, and are environmentally friendly. For Persons with Vision Loss (PWVL), roundabouts are challenging when crossing streets due to lack of signalization and difficulties in differentiating sound cues. The objectives of this research were to investigate roundabout accessibility issues confronting PWVL and to evaluate a safe crossing solution. To achieve these objectives, a national workshop with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) clients, and a survey with volunteers were conducted to determine accessibility issues. For evaluation of the crossing solution, steps included using a 3D model of a roundabout, developing sound strips, testing them on a parking lot, installing and utilizing them at the roundabout, and conducting a post-experiment survey. CNIB staff facilitated local meetings, the national workshop and assistance with volunteers during field tests. Field studies were conducted with six volunteers during one day before sound strips were installed and one day after. Data collected at the roundabout included vehicle speed, vehicle yield for pedestrians, delay felt by pedestrians, and pedestrians' opinions. Results showed that sound strips provided PWVL with warnings of upcoming vehicles. Data analysis showed 57% of vehicles yielding to pedestrians before installation and 41% after. Also, the average delay experienced by pedestrians decreased from 41.39 seconds to 38.34 seconds. In reference to speed, a few vehicles traveling through the intersection exceeded the 40KPH posted speed prior and after installation of the strips, highlighting the need for continued safety measures. Furthermore, it was determined that using a 3D model was helpful in discussing accessibility issues with volunteers. These findings provide meaningful information about concerns and issues faced by PWVL at roundabouts, suggesting that treatment using sound strips is beneficial for this vulnerable group when navigating these locations. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into roundabout accessibility issues and offers a potential solution to improve safety and mobility for PWVL. A statistical analysis revealed changes in vehicle speeds across four approaches, with highly significant reductions (p < 0.001) observed before treatment on Approaches 1, 2, and 4. However, results after treatment were mixed, with marginal significance (p = 0.072 and p = 0.084) on Approaches 2 and 4. Due to the small sample size, findings should be interpreted with caution, and further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Abstract: Roundabouts are used for traffic calming, have cheaper lifetime costs, and are environmentally friendly. For Persons with Vision Loss (PWVL), roundabouts are challenging when crossing streets due to lack of signalization and difficulties in differentiating sound cues. The objectives of this research were to investigate roundabout accessibility issu...
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Research Article
Research on the Berthing and Unberthing Time Windows for 100000-ton Container Ships at the Luojing Container Terminal
Fuquan Fan,
Ronghua Guo,
Deling Wang*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, April 2025
Pages:
22-32
Received:
3 March 2025
Accepted:
19 March 2025
Published:
31 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajtte.20251001.13
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Abstract: This paper is based on the navigational environment around the Luojing Container Terminal. Five ship traffic flow statistical sections were established in the nearby waters of Luojing Container Terminal, specifically at the Liuhekou caution zone, Buoy No. 81 of the Baoshan North Channel, the Baoshan caution zone, Buoy No.A79, and Buoy No.A81. The study conducted a statistical analysis of the ship traffic flow in the waters near the Luojing Container Terminal and compared these statistics with the tidal conditions of the area. By analyzing the hourly relationship between the ship traffic flow at the forefront of the Luojing Container Terminal and the tidal levels, it was concluded that the ship traffic flow reaches its peak during the period from 2 hours before to half an hour after the Wusong low tide. During this time frame, the safety risks for container ships docking and undocking at the Luojing Container Terminal are significantly increased. Based on the simulated maneuvering tests for docking and undocking of 100,000-ton container ships conducted during the construction of the Luojing Container Terminal, it was determined that the time window for docking and undocking 100,000-ton container ships at the Luojing Container Terminal is available at all times except from 2 hours before to half an hour after the Wusong low tide. The findings of this research can provide technical support for enhancing the operational efficiency and safety management standards of Luojing Container Terminal.
Abstract: This paper is based on the navigational environment around the Luojing Container Terminal. Five ship traffic flow statistical sections were established in the nearby waters of Luojing Container Terminal, specifically at the Liuhekou caution zone, Buoy No. 81 of the Baoshan North Channel, the Baoshan caution zone, Buoy No.A79, and Buoy No.A81. The s...
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