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INSTRUCTORS:
Andrew J. Condon, Ph.D., PE
María J. Camacho-Cordero
Henry Alfaro-Chavarría
Raul Rodriguez
Jeff Ely
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the International Conference on Coastal Engineering 2026.
Vessel Wake Dynamics in Urban Ports: Real-World Analysis for Urban Coastal Management (16 minutes)
This presentation examines how vessel-generated wakes affect urban port environments and adjacent shorelines. Participants will learn about the key components of vessel wakes, including bow waves, drawdown effects, and secondary waves. The speaker presents field measurements and numerical modeling techniques used to quantify wake-induced water level changes and currents. Attendees will explore how vessel draft, speed, and operating conditions influence shoreline impacts. The presentation highlights the potential effects of vessel wakes on shoreline erosion, mooring loads, and sediment transport. Real-world observations from an active commercial port provide practical engineering insights. Participants will gain a better understanding of how vessel wake analysis can support coastal management and port planning decisions.
Numerical Modeling and Wave Observations During Downtime at Caldera Port, Costa Rica (12 minutes)
This presentation focuses on the development and validation of a numerical wave model to support port operations in Caldera Port, Costa Rica. Participants will learn how wave measurements collected inside and outside the port were used to validate a Boussinesq wave model. The speaker discusses how storm events and long-period waves contribute to operational interruptions within the harbor. Attendees will explore different approaches for model forcing, including the use of measured wave parameters and directional spectra. The presentation evaluates the ability of numerical simulations to reproduce observed harbor wave conditions. Results demonstrate how modeling tools can support more objective decision-making compared with visual assessments alone. Participants will gain insight into operational forecasting systems for port management.
Assessing Infragravity Wave During Port Downtime: Case Study in Caldera Port, Costa Rica (14 minutes)
This presentation investigates the role of infragravity waves in causing operational downtime at a commercial port. Participants will learn how wave and infragravity wave measurements were analyzed during periods when port operations were suspended. The speaker evaluates the relationship between vessel operability and different wave characteristics. Attendees will explore how long-period wave energy can affect moored vessel motions and operational safety. The presentation compares observed conditions against existing operational thresholds and discusses potential improvements for future port management. Results provide valuable insight into the contribution of infragravity waves to downtime events. Participants will better understand the importance of incorporating long-period waves into operational criteria.
Expansion of the Bayport Container Wharves (13 minutes)
This presentation reviews the engineering, construction, and operational considerations involved in expanding an active container terminal. Participants will learn how infrastructure expansion can be achieved while maintaining ongoing port operations. The speaker discusses innovative foundation systems, load-testing methods, settlement mitigation strategies, and wharf optimization techniques. Attendees will explore how future vessel demands influence berth design and terminal planning. The presentation also highlights the role of coastal analysis, ship maneuvering studies, and computational modeling in infrastructure development. Lessons learned from multiple phases of expansion demonstrate how engineering solutions can support long-term growth. Participants will gain practical insight into large-scale port infrastructure projects.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how vessel characteristics influence wake generation, drawdown, and shoreline impacts in urban ports.
- Describe how numerical wave models can be applied to support operational decision-making in ports.
- Discuss how infragravity waves contribute to port downtime and vessel operability challenges.
- Identify key engineering considerations involved in designing and expanding modern container terminal facilities.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Coastal Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Coastal Scientist
- Coastal Resilience Program Manager
- Government Coastal Zone Manager
- University Student or Researcher
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]