The extent, location, and layout of an inland port are determined by its
transfer capacity. For a small capacity a port can be built directly on the bank
of a navigable river or canal by widening it by at least two or three standard
boat widths, or by the width required for barge turning. For a medium trans-
fer capacity it is more advantageous to build one or two port basins outside
the waterway, connected with the fairway by a suitably designed entry.
A large transfer capacity port should be as compact as possible; it has
several basins connected with the waterway by means of an approach
canal, extending beyond the entry into a port approach basin intended for
the formation of push trains or for vessels waiting for unloading. A turning
basin is usually situated in the proximity of the port approach basin. The
port layout depends above all on local conditions and the purpose which
the port should serve.
Manual or semimechanical transfer of freight in ports has been
almost fully replaced by discontinuous or continuous mechanical handling
(conveyor belts, pneumatic conveyors and pumps), particularly for the
conveyance of liquid substances. Automated continuous transfer suitable
for large quantities of freight, above all for bulk and liquid cargo, is the
most productive form.
Gantry cranes have their rail tracks laid along the waterfront, as
close to the water as possible, to ensure that at least two barges are within
reach of their jibs. In the interests of efficiency the cranes should not travel
over excessively long distances but they must have a large action radius.
Some ports have large-capacity stationary gantry cranes with travelling
trolleys, intended for the transfer of very heavy and bulky goods. Concrete
assembly surfaces are provided in their vicinity, intended for the assembly
of large-size products which could not be transported to the port on the
highway or railway owing to their large dimensions. For products of exces-
sive weight and dimensions, which cannot be handled otherwise, the roll-
on–roll-off transfer system has to be used.
For goods sensitive to moisture roofed berths provided with over-
head travelling cranes are used. Additionally, ports are provided with
modern storage capacities for packaged goods, dumps for temporary bulk
storage, and grain silos. Separated from the main port area are large-
capacity tanks for the storage of inflammable substances, situated in the
proximity of tanker berths.
The ever-increasing intensity of utilization of inland waterways and
the mechanization of transfer operations necessitates automated control of
ports and transfer operations. This is particularly so in the rapidly develop-
ing container transport system. Automatic container terminal control
systems are based on a suitable combination of computer data processing
and remote control of man-operated transfer of goods (Bourrieres and
Chamreroy, 1977).
For an overall survey of planning and design of ports see e.g. Ager-
schouet al. (2004).
amelia
(Amelia)
#1