Multi-ship following operation in ice-covered waters with consideration of inter-ship communication

© 2020 Elsevier Ltd With the advancement of technology, the ship-to-ship communication plays an increasingly important role in fleet following operations. In this study, a new ship following model that considers communication conditions is constructed for convoys following icebreaking ships through sea-ice areas. The model combines the effects of ice and communication on speeds and inter-ship distances. Then, the linear stability of the model is analysed. Simulation and analysis using actual data reveal that modelling stability is improved compared to models that do not consider communication and the backward-looking effect. The model provides a theoretical basis for maritime traffic simulation software. Moreover, it can accurately predict changes in the velocities of following ships. Consequently, the high stability of the proposed following model can be utilized for risk mitigation for fleets navigating in ice-covered waters