Weather Routeing Services - Marine Meteorology

Summary

This video script delves into weather routing for ocean voyages, emphasizing its role in optimizing routes based on sea conditions and ship characteristics. It outlines the benefits, such as time and cost savings, increased safety, and comfort for passengers and crew. The script explains the difference between climatological and weather routing, highlighting the use of real-time weather data and forecasts. It also discusses the importance of considering various factors like currents, winds, and vessel performance in wave conditions. The video touches on the evolution of weather routing services, the significance of accurate advice for safety, and the role of modern shipboard systems in providing real-time routing services.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Weather routing is a procedure to determine an optimal track for ocean voyages based on sea conditions and a ship's response to waves.
• 💰 The benefits of weather routing services include time and cost reductions, increased safety, and avoidance of severe weather conditions.
• 🚢 Weather routing helps in reducing the probability of vessel damage due to heavy weather, cargo shifting, and motion sickness among passengers and crew.
• 🔍 Weather routing differs from climatological routing, which is based on average weather conditions and does not account for real-time weather changes.
• 📈 The process involves using weather observations and forecasts to modify the route as needed, considering the quickest path and environmental factors.
• 📉 Weather routing can result in savings from reduced transit time, lower fuel consumption, and more efficient scheduling of dockside activities.
• 🛳️ The selection of an optimum route takes into account the shortest distance, prevailing currents, and winds, as well as the ship's performance in various wave conditions.
• 📊 Performance curves for ships help predict speed reduction in different sea conditions, which is crucial for effective weather routing.
• ⚓ Other factors for route selection include avoiding iceberg-infested waters, considering ice accumulation, and planning for foggy or foamy conditions.
• 🔄 Weather routing services have evolved with advancements in meteorological forecasting and communications, improving the accuracy and reliability of route advice.
• 👨‍✈️ The final decision on route adherence lies with the ship's master, who may deviate from weather routing advice based on their professional judgment and the ship's current conditions.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of weather routing for ocean voyages?

The primary purpose of weather routing is to determine an optimal track for ocean voyages based on sea conditions and a ship's individual response characteristics in waves, which can lead to time and cost reductions, increased safety, and avoidance of severe weather conditions.

How does weather routing benefit the vessel and its crew?

Weather routing benefits the vessel and its crew by reducing the probability of vessel damage in heavy weather, ensuring cargo stability, enhancing comfort for passengers and crew, and improving the efficiency and performance of the crew, which can result in better maintenance of the ship.

What are the main factors considered in selecting an optimum route for weather routing?

The main factors considered in selecting an optimum route include the shortest distance (great circle route), prevailing currents, wind conditions, the ship's performance in various wave conditions, and any special requirements or constraints relevant to the vessel.

How does weather routing differ from climatological routing?

Weather routing differs from climatological routing in that it uses actual weather conditions and forecasts in the vicinity of the planned route, allowing for modifications as the voyage proceeds. In contrast, climatological routing is based on average weather experienced by a ship in a particular season, using average current and wind directions.

What is the significance of the wave height formula mentioned in the script?

The wave height formula provided in the script is significant as it relates the wave height to the wind speed, helping to predict the impact of wind on wave formation. However, it's noted that the formula may overestimate wave height and should be adjusted based on the duration of the wind and other factors.

Why is it important to know a vessel's performance in various wave conditions before weather routing?

Knowing a vessel's performance in various wave conditions is important because it helps in constructing performance curves for different loading conditions. These curves are essential for predicting the ship's speed and behavior under specific wave heights and sea conditions, which is crucial for effective weather routing.

What are some additional factors that should be considered when selecting an optimum route?

Additional factors include avoiding iceberg-infested waters, considering ice accumulation, anticipating foggy conditions, reducing speed in foamy conditions to reduce collision risk, and considering any special requirements of the vessel, such as avoiding very low temperatures for timber carriers.

How does weather routing change in response to a sudden hazard or emergency on board?

In case of a sudden hazard or emergency, weather routing advice must consider the changing maneuvering and propulsion capabilities of the vessel. The advice should be adapted to the new situation, which may include seeking the nearest port of refuge and adjusting the route accordingly.

What are the minimum standards required for weather routing services?

Minimum standards for weather routing services include providing meteorological information prior to departure, indicating the source of data and its accuracy, including sea and swell data, considering the individual vessel's speed and handling characteristics, and providing clear communication channels and regular updates.

How have advancements in technology and meteorological forecasting impacted weather routing services since the loss of the Derbyshire in 1980?

Advancements in technology and meteorological forecasting have significantly improved the quality and accuracy of weather routing services since the Derbyshire incident. Modern systems use sophisticated computers and sensors to provide real-time routing services and take into account a wider range of data, including satellite information, for more accurate predictions.