DUKC system

DUKC, Dynamic Under Keel Clearance, is a port system that calculates the real-time and forecast under-keel clearance for a specific ship on a specific transit, allowing for tide, the ship’s squat, and wave-induced heave, pitch, and roll. Developed by OMC International, DUKC is a registered aid to navigation that models ship motions against survey bathymetry and live and forecast met-ocean data to set the maximum safe sailing draft and the transit window. By computing the real motion allowance instead of applying a fixed percentage-of-draft rule, it lets a port load deeper or schedule more transits while holding the same safety margin, cutting dredging need and emissions. It is used at deep-draft bulk and tanker ports worldwide.