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Integrating geometric and causation probability approaches into Dynamic Bayesian Networks for real-time collision risk prediction

Integrating geometric and causation probability approaches into Dynamic Bayesian Networks for real-time collision risk prediction
Integrating geometric and causation probability approaches into Dynamic Bayesian Networks for real-time collision risk prediction

Maritime transportation is vital for international trade, yet collision accidents continue to pose serious risks to navigational safety and global economic stability. This study develops a novel collision risk prediction model based on Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBN), incorporating both geometric and causation probability approaches to realise real-time ship collision risk prediction and probabilistic risk assessment. Leveraging raw Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, the proposed model dynamically updates the probabilities of influential factors using Markov-chain-based transition analyses, mitigating uncertainties caused by noisy or incomplete data. In contrast to traditional deterministic models, the DBN captures mutual dependencies among dynamic risk factors, including variations in speed ratio, relative bearing, and temporal-spatial parameters such as Distance to Closest Point of Approach (DCPA), Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA) and relative distance. The model categorises collision risk into five discrete levels, ranging from very low to very high, providing decision-makers with actionable insights for real-time navigational safety. A key innovation lies in modelling these interdependencies among influential factors, which enables a holistic understanding of collision dynamics. Simulation results demonstrate that the DBN model outperforms traditional Collision Risk Index (CRI) approaches, particularly in accurately predicting complex collision scenarios and reflecting aggressive manoeuvres. This study presents a robust framework for maritime collision risk prediction, offering a foundation for enhancing navigational safety in increasingly congested and mixed-traffic environments involving the coexistence of manned and unmanned vessels.

AIS data, Collision risk, Dynamic Bayesian Networks, Maritime transportation, Navigational safety
1366-5545
Çelik, Cihad
e3fa8154-5be9-46dc-b9fb-87db756b1629
Li, Huanhuan
5e806b21-10a7-465c-9db3-32e466ae42f1
Liu, Jiongjiong
37142c8b-f01b-46eb-93bc-7968001a488e
Bashir, Musa
03146b14-6871-4656-8318-d25655175374
Zou, Lu
8cb74fd0-6935-496e-b1b8-97fd46949b7e
Yang, Zaili
82d4eebc-4532-4343-8555-35169e79bb6d
Çelik, Cihad
e3fa8154-5be9-46dc-b9fb-87db756b1629
Li, Huanhuan
5e806b21-10a7-465c-9db3-32e466ae42f1
Liu, Jiongjiong
37142c8b-f01b-46eb-93bc-7968001a488e
Bashir, Musa
03146b14-6871-4656-8318-d25655175374
Zou, Lu
8cb74fd0-6935-496e-b1b8-97fd46949b7e
Yang, Zaili
82d4eebc-4532-4343-8555-35169e79bb6d

Çelik, Cihad, Li, Huanhuan, Liu, Jiongjiong, Bashir, Musa, Zou, Lu and Yang, Zaili (2026) Integrating geometric and causation probability approaches into Dynamic Bayesian Networks for real-time collision risk prediction. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 205, [104520]. (doi:10.1016/j.tre.2025.104520).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Maritime transportation is vital for international trade, yet collision accidents continue to pose serious risks to navigational safety and global economic stability. This study develops a novel collision risk prediction model based on Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBN), incorporating both geometric and causation probability approaches to realise real-time ship collision risk prediction and probabilistic risk assessment. Leveraging raw Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, the proposed model dynamically updates the probabilities of influential factors using Markov-chain-based transition analyses, mitigating uncertainties caused by noisy or incomplete data. In contrast to traditional deterministic models, the DBN captures mutual dependencies among dynamic risk factors, including variations in speed ratio, relative bearing, and temporal-spatial parameters such as Distance to Closest Point of Approach (DCPA), Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA) and relative distance. The model categorises collision risk into five discrete levels, ranging from very low to very high, providing decision-makers with actionable insights for real-time navigational safety. A key innovation lies in modelling these interdependencies among influential factors, which enables a holistic understanding of collision dynamics. Simulation results demonstrate that the DBN model outperforms traditional Collision Risk Index (CRI) approaches, particularly in accurately predicting complex collision scenarios and reflecting aggressive manoeuvres. This study presents a robust framework for maritime collision risk prediction, offering a foundation for enhancing navigational safety in increasingly congested and mixed-traffic environments involving the coexistence of manned and unmanned vessels.

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More information

Accepted/In Press date: 26 October 2025
e-pub ahead of print date: 7 November 2025
Published date: 1 January 2026
Additional Information: Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s).
Keywords: AIS data, Collision risk, Dynamic Bayesian Networks, Maritime transportation, Navigational safety

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 507293
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/507293
ISSN: 1366-5545
PURE UUID: 15f10a6a-5b04-4d74-9ea4-1210652f0cdc
ORCID for Huanhuan Li: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-4293-4763

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 03 Dec 2025 17:35
Last modified: 04 Dec 2025 03:09

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Contributors

Author: Cihad Çelik
Author: Huanhuan Li ORCID iD
Author: Jiongjiong Liu
Author: Musa Bashir
Author: Lu Zou
Author: Zaili Yang

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