Approach channel

An approach channel is the dredged or natural navigable channel linking the open sea to a port’s basins and berths. Its width, depth, alignment, and bend radii are set against the design ship’s beam, draft, manoeuvrability, and the local wind, current, wave, and squat conditions. PIANC WG121 (2014) Harbour Approach Channels: Design Guidelines is the principal reference, distinguishing a concept-design method from a detailed ship-simulation method, and feeding the under-keel clearance and tidal-window analysis that govern transit safety.