Author(s): Tarek Mohamed Abdel-Aziz
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Navigation; Nile River; Hydrographic survey; Bathymetric charts
Abstract: Around 3 million t of cargo is transported over the Nile River between Alexandria, Cairo and Aswan yearly. This transport is expected to increase considerably when the planned container terminal projects and other infrastructure projects in the Nile Delta are completed. Also, It is of great concern to the responsive authorities are the more than 290 Nile Cruise ships (Floating hotels) with a total capacity of26,673 passengers, operating between Luxor and Aswan. Therefore, the Egyptian government has declared a high priority to the improvement of safety of navigation on the Nile River. The main condition is that the transport companies have certainly about the depth of the river and the draft for the ships, independent of time of the year and for both day and night navigation. The reduction in fright costs, increased safety and certainly of water depth will cause positive effect and has been proven world-wide to increase the amount of traffic. There is currently no navigation infrastructure, no Hydrographic survey nor are there any bathymetric charts available. This research work describes the main steps that should be followed now and in the Future to achieve safe navigation in the Nile River based on IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) standards for hydrographic survey. After executing these steps it will be impossible to construct any berths unless the main navigable channel is established and connected to other routes to facilitate berthing and departure of vessels.
Year: 2004