OREANDA-NEWS. On November 24, 2008 in the conference hall of Klaipeda State Seaport Authority (J. Janonio g. 24) the presentation of dynamic under-keel clearance system was made. Chief engineer Capt. Laurence Benn made the presentation, reported the press-centre of Klaipeda State Seaport.
 
One of the most important tools of competitiveness – is the possibility to accommodate big draft vessels without any danger to navigation safety. The allowed minimal draft may differ depending on the types of vessels, meteorological conditions and etc. Therefore, the determination of minimal keel-clearance is especially important for the port as it allows, basing the existing meteorological conditions and the type of vessels, to load the vessel maximally. 

Presently the minimal keel clearance is determined statically in Klaipeda port. But nowadays there is created software and technical system to determine keel clearance in a dynamic way. 

Australian company „OMC International“ has got knowledge in this field. DUCK (Dynamic Under Keel Clearance System) which was created 15 years ago, has significantly improved the safety and efficiency of the ports which implemented it. 
 
DUCK – is a navigation system for computation of wave, tide, current and ship dynamics in real time and assure the safety and most efficient big ships calls/departures to/from the port in case of shallow and limited water depth waterways.

Using DUKC system, the ship position is being measured in a three-dimensional space, therefore, having accurate parameters of a ship and hydro-meteorological information; dynamic under-keel clearance can be computed before ship call and departure.
 
Using this system it is possible to determine the exact maximal allowed draft fore ach type of a ship without any danger to navigation safety. Taking into consideration the evident benefit of this navigation modulus, Klaipeda State Seaport Authority is going to look for ways and possibilities for the acquisition of it.