Ports and harbours with an exposed aspect to swell waves may be negatively affected by long period wave energy.

Ports and harbours exposed to ocean swell have benefited from the MSL long wave and harbour resonance studies. Research at 14 energetic ports has led to the development of a unique suite of numerical tools to quantify the problem and examine possible solutions. The management of vessel surging can now be assisted through a sophisticated forecasting system that provides a 5-7 day ahead prediction of the long wave conditions at specific berths. This has proved to be a key operational tool.

Secure and optimise your port operations with MetOcean’s specialised marine forecasts

Standard marine forecast information is based on large scale regional data, and does not consider the localised effects of seabed and land topography on local wave and wind climate.

MetOceanView is designed to provide high resolution prediction of wave energy along entrance channels and inside ports and harbours.

Energetic weather conditions often lead to operational issues in a port. These may include underkeel clearance for entrance or exit transit, distress at the berth due to swell penetration or long wave surge, and high winds disrupting vessel and harbour operations.

Data is available online to the port operators over the web, in a user friendly graphical format as well as text files. Operational applications of the forecasting services include:

• Dynamic under keel clearance planning
• Optimising berth usage
• Managing port dredging operations
• Health and safety management
• Surge prediction and mitigation planning

Download full product information here [ PDF ].

Numerical wave models, calibrated with measured data, are used to characterise the wave climate both inside and outside the harbour.

These data can be applied to:

• Wave spectral transformations for under keel clearance
• Breakwater overtopping or design assessments
• Tranquility improvements
• Wave effects on safety and navigation
• Sediment transport

Numerical modeling techniques combining waves, currents, sediment transport and morphology updating are used to investigate dredge spoil disposal grounds, channel infilling rates, dredge plumes and coastal impacts associated with harbour structures or dredging activities.