Validation and Application of the Accu-Waves Operational Platform for Wave Forecasts at Ports

Autor: Christos Makris, Andreas Papadimitriou, Vasilis Baltikas, Giannis Spiliopoulos, Yiannis Kontos, Anastasios Metallinos, Yannis Androulidakis, Michalis Chondros, Georgios Klonaris, Dimitra Malliouri, Nikolaos Nagkoulis, Dimitris Zissis, Vasiliki Tsoukala, Theophanis Karambas, Constantine Memos
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Vol 12, Iss 2, p 220 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2077-1312
DOI: 10.3390/jmse12020220
Popis: This paper presents a recently developed Operational Forecast Platform (OFP) for prevailing sea conditions at very important ports worldwide (Accu-Waves). The OFP produces reliable high-resolution predictions of wave characteristics in and around ocean ports. Its goal is to support safer navigation, predict possible port downtime, assist vessel approaching, enhance management of towing services, and bolster secure ship maneuvering in busy ports around the globe. Accu-Waves OFP is based on integrated, high-resolution wave modelling over the continental shelf and in coastal areas that incorporates data from global- and regional-scale, open-sea wave and ocean circulation forecasts as boundary conditions. The coupling, nesting, calibration, and implementation of the models are reported and discussed in this paper, concerning 50 selected areas near and inside significant port basins. The detailed setup of the Accu-Waves OFP and its sub-system services is also provided regarding three-day forecasts at three-hourly intervals. The validation of the wave forecast system against in situ observations from wave buoys in coastal areas of the USA, Belgium, and Spain, as well as other model predictions by established OFPs, seems very promising, with performance skill scores ranging from adequate to very good. An exceptional case of stormy seas under severe marine weather conditions with very high wave maxima (>10 m) in the port of Algeciras is further discussed, confirming the good performance of the Accu-Waves OFP.
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