Forecast, risk assessment and alert system for ships in ports

Abstract

This work presents the development of a numerical integrated system to help prevent emergency situations and minimize risks associated with sea waves’ effects on moored ships or in port approach maneuvers. SWAMS-ALERT system enables forecasting, warning and risk assessment on a fully interactive user-friendly web platform, making it an essential tool for correct planning and integrated management of port areas. This system was tested on a specific berth at the container terminal of the port of Praia da Vitória, in the Azorean island of Terceira. Using 72-hour sea waves’ forecasts, it was possible to simulate the waves’ effect on a moored ship, namely forces on mooring lines and fenders and the risk of pre-set thresholds being surpassed.