6. Conclusion

The extensive research and synthesis work carried out by the AIPCN working groups provides port engineers with a solid basis for reliably understanding many of the assumptions associated with project vessels and necessary for the proper design of associated port infrastructure. However, in some areas, it is still necessary to supplement the information provided by other sources. These include:

• projects for which the project vessels are specific and precisely known, or when the vessels do not yet exist;

• project vessels associated with certain families, such as ferries, for example;

• data relating to the dimensions and power ratings of the thrusters.

However, port engineers must be aware that the global fleet is constantly evolving. Past developments,...