Subscription Weather Services Keep Your Marine Operations Safe

Adverse weather impacts everyone, but it takes on special significance on the water. Offshore operations are relatively isolated and susceptible to damage caused by wind and waves. Subscription weather services give you up-to-date information as well as predictions customized to your location and route. 

You take the safety of your crew and equipment seriously. Customized weather decision support helps you avoid weather-related hazards for your people and assets. It also enables you to keep your offshore operations secure and maximizes the time available to prepare for extreme weather events. Contact DTN for more information about a customized plan for your unique needs.

How Does Weather Impact the Safety of Your Offshore Operation?

Offshore sites are vulnerable to weather phenomena in ways that land-based operations are not. An offshore, fixed-location weather forecast gives you data customized to your process. 

High winds and hurricanes, for example, demand special safety measures to mitigate potential damage. Operators may need to restrict or halt staff and equipment movements to keep everyone safe. 

Evacuation
Severe weather events may necessitate evacuating personnel from platforms and drilling rigs, but this process can take days. Most operations do not regularly transport their entire staff at one time, so they rely on outside contractors for this purpose. 

You need sufficient lead time for local transport contractors to meet the needs of your operation. Everyone in the area will be trying to get out of the path of a dangerous storm.

It can also take several days to close subsea wells or deep-water drilling operations safely. Evacuation schedules must coordinate with the process of securing equipment. 

Changing Climate
The 100-year storm model has changed over the years so that the current expectation of high waves is greater than it was in the past. Platforms built in the 1940s in the Gulf of Mexico had platforms 20-40 feet above sea level. In 1988, they raised this standard to 70 feet. Then, again, following the 2004 & 2005 Atlantic Hurricane seasons, the standard was revised following extreme impacts on several major installations.  

As our climate continues to change, the weather patterns become more extreme. This shift is most noticeable over the Earth’s oceans. Offshore weather planning tools and reporting provide you early, accurate data and decision points that streamlines the job of preparing for extreme weather conditions.

A probability-based long-range forecast uses several model runs compared with the operational forecast baseline. This data gives you the best lead time to plan your operations within periods of favorable weather.

 

Use Subscription Weather Services To Maximize Your Operational Probability

Current and future weather events play a significant role in your day-to-day Offshore Operations dedicated subscription can provide valuable data when you are determining your operations and schedule.

• Wave Forecast – Wave action is the most significant factor in the loss of ship speed. The force of the waves in your path works against your forward motion. This action slows your vessel and requires higher fuel consumption. The safety of your vessel ship is dependent on limited interaction with dangerous waves. Violent waves require a slowed pace to reduce pitching and roll. 
  

• Wind – A strong headwind requires more force to push through, slowing your ship down. You can compensate for the effect by using additional fuel. But it can be more efficient to choose a route and schedule that won’t force you to use more resources. 
  A stern wind has the opposite effect, giving your ship extra momentum. In ideal conditions, your ship will arrive faster and use less fuel than it would on a windless journey.
          Strong winds can make it dangerous to dock. If you complete your route, only to delay your final delivery because you can’t dock, your bottom line will suffer. You can also use a wind forecast to maximize the efficiency of loading and unloading cargo. High wind speeds can make it difficult or impossible to move and secure containers safely.
  

• Currents – Wind, waves, and tides have an impact on ocean currents. The coastal and oceanic topography, as well as the rotation of the Earth, also have a bearing on currents. Like driving into a side wind, currents may require you to use additional resources to maintain a straight path. 

Your long-range offshore weather report will provide you with the data you need to incorporate current meteorological activity into your offshore operational strategy.

A customized weather service package can help you plan your course and avoid adverse conditions before they develop. Use offshore forecasting services to minimize delays and maximize efficiency.

 

What Will You Do With Timely, Precise Weather Information?

If you have ever needed to change plans at the last minute, you know this is costly and frustrating. If you’ve ever had plans fail due to misinformation, you know this can result in catastrophic losses.

When you work in offshore operations or shipping, accurate weather information is one of your most valuable assets. Weather affects every area of these businesses and can make or break your profitability and safety. Loss of equipment, loss of cargo, and loss of life are devastating to any operation.

For instance: When considering subscription weather services for offshore operations, look for an option with a flexible forecast. You want a product that allows you to define the parameters that matter to your operations. Be sure that you can set alerts for wind speed and wave height so that your incoming data is relevant to you.

A flexible platform also should let you configure report information into a format that suits your project managers. It’s also helpful to be able to re-order or change the focus of data based on various locations.

It’s also crucial to choose a subscription service with a delivery route that works for you. Your service should include several delivery options, such as email, text, web, mobile, APIs, and FTP. 

 

Stay Safe With DTN

DTN offers top-of-the-line forecasting services to meet the needs of all of your operations. Whether you have a fixed location, a set route, or an ever-changing situation, you will benefit from a dedicated weather service. 

DTN has marine forecasters available around the clock to consult with you so that you have the support you deserve. Keep your shipping or offshore operation safe from weather-related losses. Contact DTN to learn more about a subscription service plan to meet your specific needs.