Hydrodynamic and Sedimentation Modelling for Capacity Optimization of OR1, OR2, and Fertilizer Berths at Visakhapatnam Port, India

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | 01 | Page :
    By

    M. Phani Kumar,

  • Kapil Walke,

  • Prabhat Chandra3,

Abstract

This study presents comprehensive hydrodynamic and sediment transport modelling undertaken to assess the impact of proposed deepening and development at the western arm of the Visakhapatnam Inner Harbour, India, encompassing OR1, OR2, and Fertilizer berths. The work, carried out by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) for the Visakhapatnam Port, utilized the MIKE 21 Flexible Mesh (FM) finite-volume model to simulate hydrodynamic and siltation conditions under existing and proposed scenarios. The models incorporated tidal forcing, stream inflows, and morphological processes to evaluate the potential impacts on capacity utilization and environmental equilibrium. Results demonstrated minimal variation in tidal prisms and a marginal increase in siltation (≈3,000 m³ annually) under proposed conditions. Additional simulations on dredged material disposal revealed stable dispersion patterns, with bed thickness increases remaining within 20 cm after one month of continuous dumping. The findings confirm the technical feasibility and environmental sustainability of the proposed development, supporting the optimization of port operations while ensuring morphological stability.

Keywords: Hydrodynamic modelling, sediment transport, MIKE 21 FM, dredging, Visakhapatnam Port, siltation, harbour engineering

How to cite this article:
M. Phani Kumar, Kapil Walke, Prabhat Chandra3. Hydrodynamic and Sedimentation Modelling for Capacity Optimization of OR1, OR2, and Fertilizer Berths at Visakhapatnam Port, India. Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management. 2026; 13(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
M. Phani Kumar, Kapil Walke, Prabhat Chandra3. Hydrodynamic and Sedimentation Modelling for Capacity Optimization of OR1, OR2, and Fertilizer Berths at Visakhapatnam Port, India. Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management. 2026; 13(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jowrem/article=2026/view=236380


References

  1. Dasgupta S. Indian shipping industry–an ocean of opportunities. In: 55th National Maritime Day Celebration Conference. 2018:7-10. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://www.academia.edu/download/59831873/Indian-shipping20190622-45288-lnkcda.pdf
  2. Rao KV, Prakasam NK, Rao NS. Environmental degradation in major ports of India. Int J Environ Stud. 2000;57(3):333-349. doi:10.1080/00207230008711277
  3. Rao PV. ‘Development through connectivity’: India’s maritime narrative. J Indian Ocean Reg. 2019;15(3):245-264. doi:10.1080/19480881.2019.1640578
  4. Rengamani J, Venkatraman V. A study on the performance of major ports in India. Int J Manag IJM. 2015;6(10):48-55.
  5. Dickason DG. The Efficiency of the Major Indian Seaports. Indiana University; 1970. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://search.proquest.com/openview/ffb178f01f9b90a61d542b8a0633c718/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
  6. Rathi C, Pradhan RP. Critical analysis of Optimization of Vizhinjam Port resulting in Nations Slow Economic Growth. Editor BOARD. 2020;3(2):1.
  7. Vijay A. Maritime Perspectives 2017 (Maritime Developments in Indo-Pacific Region in 2017). Accessed November 14, 2025. https://www.academia.edu/download/63564870/Maritime_Perspectives_201720200608-94173-4r2tj0.pdf
  8. Kanjirakkattu A, VP A, AV S. A Critical Appraisal on the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2019, India, and A Review of the Coastal Zone Management Scenarios in Selected Countries. India Rev Coast Zone Manag Scenar Sel Ctries January 02 2025. Published online 2025. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5079649
  9. Nandakumar D, Muralikrishna M. Mapping the extent of coastal regulation zone violations of the Indian coast. In: Report for National Fish Workers Forum, Valiathura, Thiruvananthapuram. 1998. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://www.academia.edu/download/3467919/cmz_violation_studyby_thomas_kocherry.pdf
  10. Sakthivel M, Khan N. Protection of the Indian Coastal Ecosystem through Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications*: An Analysis. In: The Routledge Companion to Indian Ethics. Routledge India; 2024:211-222. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781032638478-19/protection-indian-coastal-ecosystem-coastal-regulation-zone-crz-notifications-sakthivel-nagma-khan
  11. Warrier AR, Vimal A, Dutt SS. Balancing Development and Conservation: An Analysis of the Coastal Regulation Zone Regime in India. Issue 6 Intl JL Mgmt Hum. 2024;7:1131.
  12. Hari Prasad D, Muni Reddy MG, Darga Kumar N. Field Study on the Coastal Dynamics and Sediment Transport Along the Visakhapatnam Coast. In: Timbadiya PV, Patel PL, Singh VP, Barman B, eds. Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics. Vol 314. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering. Springer Nature Singapore; 2023:419-430. doi:10.1007/978-981-19-9151-6_34
  13. KAMATH M. Alongshore Sediment Transport and Maintenance Dredging Practices in Major Ports of India. Coast Environ ProblPerspect. Published online 2013:139.
  14. Ratheesh R, Remya PG, Agrawal R, et al. A numerical modelling approach for beach erosion forecast during the southwest monsoon season. J Earth Syst Sci. 2022;131(4):220. doi:10.1007/s12040-022-01968-0
  15. Sarma KGS, Reddy BSR. Longshore sediment transport near Visakhapatnam port, India. Ocean Shorel Manag. 1988;11(2):113-127.

 


Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
01
Received 12/12/2025
Accepted 21/01/2026
Published 24/01/2026
Publication Time 43 Days


Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics