3.1 Project Description.

　

 The Arthur Kill Channel (Figure 9) extends from　the western limit of the Newark Bay Channels west　and south around Staten Island. Different classes　of vessels share the waterway. The larger vessels　are panamax class containerships, (965 ft in length, 106 ft beam) calling at Howland Hook Terminals and tankers (900 ft in length, 150 ft beam) bringing their product to Tosco Refinery. The Arthur Kill Channels are presently 35 ft deep at mlw.

　

　

 There is no turning basin for containerships using the Howland Hook Terminal. These ships must back out the Arthur Kill and turn in the Newark Bay. Smaller containerships less than 700 ft in length can turn around at the berth. The containerships arrive and depart fully loaded to a 33-ft draft. Tankers arrive at high water, drafting 37 ft. Once the tankers discharge their product, they are light-loaded, and depart southbound around Staten Island without turning or backing.

　

3.2 Database Development.

　

 The Arthur Kill simulation models were developed　using photographs from the Port Jersey reconnaissance trip. Currents for the Arthur Kill study were modeled during the same hydrodynamic study as the Port Jersey Currents. The ebb tide currents are shown in Figure 10. Figure 11 shows the simulator display as a tanker approaches the Bayonne Bridge. Figure 12 shows the same view in real-life.

　

　

　

　

 Two proposed alignments for the 50-ft channel were simulated. Plan I was the original alignment recommended in the Feasibility study. Plan 2 was suggested during the simulation study to alleviate the difficulties encountered while backing and turning at Bergen Point. Plan 2 straightened the eastern end of North of Shooter's Island Reach. The existing, Plan 1 and Plan 2 channels at the mouth of Newark Bay are shown in Figure 13.