Real time flow information system

Abstract

Ships and their pilots have difficulties to enter a harbour during periods of relatively high flow velocities. We developed a system that gives real time depth average flow velocity and direction vectors over a large area. The system also predicts the flow in that area for 24 hours, allowing ships to plan their voyage more accurately and safely. The systems consists of a horizontal current profiler which is mounted at the side of the river. A computer flow model computes the depth average flow in the area based on measured flow and on measured water levels. The flow prediction is also based on measured currents and on measured water levels. The Port of Rotterdam has deepened the river Rhine and the Meuse branch, which are the main access channels to the Waalhaven. This allows large container ships to enter the harbour. Currently the ships and their pilots are only allowed to enter the harbour during periods when the water level is sufficiently high and the current velocity in the river is smaller than 0.5 knots. This limits the time to enter the harbour to 1 hour every tidal cycle and makes planning of a trip difficult.