Operational 2D water depth prediction using echo sounder data of inland ships

We have developed and tested an information service for the benefit of the Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) sector, namely an operational water depth chart. An increasing fleet of inland ships measure underkeel clearance while sailing. These data are used to derive the actual two-dimensional river bed level of the Rhine in Germany and the Netherlands (stretch of about 600 km). Combined with predictions of the actual and near future water levels, we calculate the actual and near-future two-dimensional water depths. To do this in an operational way, a Delft-FEWS-application was developed. The water depth results are presented in the “CoVadem platform”, accessible for subscribed ship owners to optimize their loading and sailing. This paper explains how the water depth chart is derived, accounting for morphological processes.