#48: The Network Behind the Waterway: How LOMA keeps traffic moving

About this episode

Dr. Marin Kress discusses the Lock Operations Management Application (LOMA) and its role in managing vessel traffic on inland waterways.

Built on Automatic Identification System vessel broadcasts and supported by a nationwide network of fixed receiver sites and mobile trailer deployments, the Lock Operations Management Application (LOMA) helps lock operators and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers districts better understand vessel traffic, anticipate delays and communicate changing conditions to mariners. Dr. Marin Kress of ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory explains how LOMA provides real-time situational awareness across the nation’s inland waterways. Topics include what LOMA is and why it’s more than “just locks” (:48), how AIS works and what the system receives (2:51), and why mobile trailers matter (4:29). We also discuss a success story involving emergency shoaling response and virtual ATONs (5:45); the impact of lock reliability and traffic awareness (13:38); partnerships that power LOMA (14:43); and what’s next in R&D, including weather and water condition sensing (18:00). Watch a video of this podcast on our website at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/48-LOMA_video . Explore additional resources at www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org/48-LOMA_resources .

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Marin Kress

Topics covered

• vessel traffic management
• real-time situational awareness
• lock operations
• partnerships in engineering
• emergency response
• research and development

Keywords

• LOMA
• vessel traffic
• AIS
• lock operations
• real-time data
• emergency response
• partnerships
• inland waterways

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory

Products: Lock Operations Management Application (LOMA), Automatic Identification System

Places: nation’s inland waterways

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