A real-ship experimental study on restricted secondary waterways based on multi-source data collection and analysis

This study focuses on optimizing restricted Class II inland waterways through real-ship experiments and multi-source data collection to evaluate navigational adaptability. Conducted on a representative section of Zhejiang’s Changhu-Shen Line, the research examines multiple conditions, including single-ship self-propulsion on straight segments, two-ship encounters on straight segments, and two-ship encounters on curved segments, with particular attention to water flow dynamics and ship behavior. A multidimensional data collection module, paired with a real-time monitoring platform, was developed to efficiently capture and store navigational and environmental parameters. Gaussian filtering analysis indicates that single-ship navigation achieves the highest speed, with a peak hydrodynamic resistance of 25.4 kN. In straight-segment encounters, wave superposition increases wave heights to a range of 19.5-35.1 cm. During curved-segment encounters, waterway curvature and water flow reduce ship speed, with resistance peaking at 22.4 kN. The study highlights the critical role of communication in ship navigation safety: uncoordinated encounters result in a minimum separation of 0 m, leading to minor collisions and heightened risk, whereas coordinated encounters maintain a 5 m minimum separation, significantly enhancing safety. To improve navigational safety, the study recommends widening the base width of curved segments and optimizing ship coordination protocols. These findings provide robust scientific data and practical guidance for inland waterway optimization, supporting future planning and enhancements in ship navigation safety.