Maneuverability in lock access channels

An overview is given of hydrodynamic effects acting on a ship approaching a lock, including approach channel and approach structure layout, density currents, translation waves, return flow, cushion effects, and retardation forces. Most of these effects have a non-stationary nature, which is challenging from the point of view of maneuvering simulation. Lock approaches are illustrated by practical examples. A selection of research tools, including simulation, model testing and full scale measurements, is discussed