Operational Vulnerability of Large Vessels under Combined Wind-Current Conditions in Port Operations: Tugboats, DPS and Simulation Training

Abstract: Ship maneuverability remains a cornerstone of maritime safety and operational efficiency, particularly under the influence of environmental stressors such as wind and ocean currents. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of how these forces, individually and in combination, impact vessel handling across diverse operational contexts, with focused case studies from Nigerian ports: Lagos (Apapa), Bonny River, and Calabar. Utilizing a mixed- methods approach, including literature synthesis, incident analysis, expert survey (n=59), and theoretical modelling, the research identifies critical vulnerabilities in current navigational practices and evaluates the efficacy of technological and operational countermeasures. Findings reveal that crosswinds exceeding 25knots and tidal currents above 3knots significantly compromise lateral control, especially for vessels with high windage areas (e.g., container ships) or deep drafts (e.g., tankers). The compounding effect of simultaneous wind and current forces increases navigational risk by up to 70% in confined channels. While tug assistance and pilot expertise remain highly effective (rated 4.7/5), adoption of advanced technologies like Dynamic Positioning Systems (DPS) remains low (12% of surveyed vessels). Real-time environmental data integration is inconsistently available (41%), and simulation- based training is underutilized (29%). The study proposes a three-pillar framework for improvement: (i) Enhanced crew training using scenario-based simulators, (ii) Strategic deployment of DPS and AI-enhanced predictive routing tools, and (iii) Infrastructure and policy upgrades in high-risk ports. Recommendations include standardized “green window” scheduling during slack tides, mandatory environmental briefings pre-berthing, and regulatory incentives for DPS adoption. This research contributes actionable, regionally contextualized insights to bridge the gap between theoretical hydrodynamics and real-world ship handling, supporting global efforts to enhance maritime resilience in an era of climate volatility and increasing vessel scale.