NYK and Weathernews Inc have introduced what they say is the world’s first navigation system for seas covered with ice.
The system, the first to employ live reports sent in real time from vessels in operation, is to be aimed at LNG carriers transiting the waters of the Russian Far East and Sakhalin in particular.
The new technology analyses a range of factors, including ice distribution, cohesiveness and thickness, and then forecasts sea-ice conditions for the upcoming two weeks using Weathernews’ proprietary sea-ice forecast model, which is based on updated weather and sea conditions as well as satellite observation data.
The information used by the system is updated on a daily basis. Ice reports sent from vessels are reflected in real time in the sea-ice forecast model, which can be shared with vessel operators and other NYK Group vessels.
NYK Group and Weathernews have jointly developed and introduced the system, which is based on Weathernews’ Ice Routing Service.
The application can also be monitored on the recently introduced NYK e-missions service, an integrated operation management system accessible both on shore and on ship which constantly monitors weather to forecast risks that may occur at harbour and on vessel routes.
The new ice-monitoring system can also be viewed both at sea and on land.
