The management of Shell Montreal, foreseeing the possibility of berthing certain ships to Pier 103S without tugs, wants to determine if some of the ships already calling in at that berth, could be exempted from that obligation under some circumstances. The requested exemption from taking tugs for berthing and unberthing is primarily sought for the ships equipped with two lateral thrusters, one at the bow and one at the stern.

In order to assess the situation, the MPA called on the Marine Simulation and Resource Centre (MSRC) to undertake a series of simulated manoeuvres to Pier 103S.

The purpose of these manoeuvres will be to determine if they can be carried out safely without tugs and within the recognized environmental limits for the area.

For the purpose of this study, 3 ships, being representative of those selected, were chosen by the pilots for their characteristics similar to the real vessels. The characteristics of each model are briefly given in the chapter Ships Modelled and in appendix 2, where detailed information is given.

The pilots from the “Corporation des Pilotes du Saint-Laurent Central” decided, based on the information given in the Shell Montreal East Terminal Information Book, that the wind would be coming from the southeast. They also decided that the current would be at its strongest for all manoeuvres.

The objectives of these manoeuvres can be summarized in the following manner:

• Assess the feasibility for each type of vessel loaded or ballasted, to maneuver safely at Pier 103S without tugs in light air conditions;
• Assess the feasibility for each type of vessel loaded or ballasted, to maneuver safely at Pier 103S without tugs in southeast winds up to 20 knots.