Traffic analysis, fairway alignment and efficient investments in the waterway Danube

Recent research on traffic development and transport economics in the Danube corridor revealed the importance
of improved navigation conditions on the waterway Danube. The Waterway Asset Management System (WAMS)
of viadonau allows a real-time calculation of fairway availability, planning of dredging measures, sediment
management and budget estimations for various target conditions. Aligning the fairway path and narrowing the
fairway width are very cost-efficient solutions especially in low water periods. However, actual vessel trajectories
and draughts loaded show deviations leading to questions regarding vessel course and loading capacity alignment.
Based on anonymized traffic data and vessel trajectories a utilization analysis regarding available fairway depths
and distribution of traffic flows has been implemented in the WAMS. The paper provides an overview on the
results and direct consequences for the optimization of maintenance measures and fairway alignment. Future
developments may allow route planning and an optimization of vessel loading on the entire waterway.