Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 1985
The design of a route through Dover Strait to Europoort for very large carriers (VLCs) with a draught of up to 22 metres is described. The results are compared with established international safety criteria. A number of subjects for further study by institutes of navigation are mentioned. Van Riet (DG Shipping and Maritime Affairs), Kaspers (Public Works, North Sea Directorate) and Buis (Hydrographic Service, Royal Navy) participated in this design process. The views expressed, however, are those of the authors and not necessarily those of their organizations.
Since 1974 deep-draught ships of up to 20·70 metres (68 feet) have been navigating the English Channel and the Dover Strait with destination Europoort in the Netherlands. To a lesser extent ships with these large draughts have been passing through the Strait with destinations in Scandinavian countries.