The asymmetric flow around a ship induced by the vicinity of banks causes pressure differences between port and starboard sides. As a result, the whole ship tends to be attracted to, and her bow pushed away from the closest bank. A reliable estimation of bank effects is of importance for determining the limiting conditions in which a ship can safely navigate a waterway.A mathematical model will be developed for bank effects based on a comprehensive model test program carried out in a Towing Tank. The emphasis is placed on hydrodynamic forces induced by sloped and semi-submerged banks, typical for the access channels to the Flemish and other international harbours. The results will be incorporated in the full mission bridge simulators at Flanders Hydraulics Research