Client: Port Otago 

Duration: Since 2000 (ongoing) 

Background 

We install and maintain tide and wind sensor sites to provide accurate real time data on a consolidated platform. The tide level data is used by the Port pilots to assess the safety for large vessels to enter or exit the port. The wind data is used to trigger wind alerts for safe operation of the cranes and other equipment in the container yards to ensure the safety of operators and staff working in the yards. 

The challenges with installing any new site include coordination with the client to get access to the sites. This is dependent on shipping schedules and in some cases a boat is required to access the site. Another factor is weather conditions and tide levels, for example the calibration of a tide sensor with reference to the existing tide board can only be done on a calm day observing both low to high tides. 

Delivery solution 

The solution provided at each site consist of a very reliable high end datalogger that is programmed to accurately capture data from the various sensors used. The sensors include maintenance free ultrasonic anemometers, ultrasonic level sensors and one site with a full weather station that includes a tipping bucket for precipitation measurements and a barometric pressure sensor. All data is continuously scanned and processed by the datalogger and stored to a central database in 1- and 10-minute intervals. All sites have battery backup for power redundancy and networking is provided by a LTE router using a VPN connection.

 

Outcome 

The solution is reliably providing accurate data used to ensure the safety of Port Otago staff and vessels entering and exiting the harbour. The tide level data and some of the other harbour conditions data are also made available to the public via the Port Otago website.