Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
SHIPS AND OFFSHORE STRUCTURES, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Strategic canals and straits are vital maritime corridors where high traffic density and complex navigation increase the likelihood of accidents and marine pollution. Using the Istanbul Strait as a case example, this study applies a multi-method approach relevant to similar strategic waterways. Vessel traffic risk was analysed in three stages. First, vessels awaiting transit were classified using the K-Means Clustering Algorithm to identify risk-related patterns based on ship characteristics. Second, the Ship Risk Scoring (SRS) method quantified individual vessel hazards, and both methods were compared to determine consistently high-risk ships. Finally, a Linear Programming Model (LPM) was developed to optimise tugboat assignment by aligning vessel risk levels with tug capabilities. The study proposes a risk-based ship-tug allocation flowchart applicable to other straits. The findings show that high-risk vessels 'A' and 'V' were optimally assigned to high-capacity tugs (Kurtarma 2 and Kurtarma 12). This integrated methodology enhances maritime safety in congested waterways.