ADCP Application in Ocean Current Measurement of Port Cikarang Dry

1. Where is the Cikarang Dry port?

Cikarang Dry port is situated in West Java Indonesia, in the Cikarang area. This is an inland dry port of considerable importance for transporting goods within the region and out of it.

Port Scale and Throughput

It has a significant scale and receives a notable throughput of cargo. Basically, the type of cargo that is moved in and out of this port includes dry cargo such as containers, manufactured goods, and industrial materials. The annual volume of goods passing through the port has been steadily growing as it serves as an important link in the supply chain for many industries in the area. It has a well-developed infrastructure to accommodate a large number of trucks for transporting cargo to and from the port, along with ample storage space for containers and other goods.

Routes and Business

It is connected to major transportation networks both by road and rail. Domestically, it has links to other industrial areas and ports in Indonesia, thus enabling the distribution of goods across different regions. Abroad, it works together with seaports for the importation and exportation of goods. Business operations include the handling of electronics, automotive parts, and consumer goods. It is the most important gateway for industries in the Cikarang area for their products to reach foreign markets and also to get raw materials from other countries.

Port Management and Operation

The port management focuses on efficient and smooth functioning. The port authority deals with cargo handling, storage management, and transportation management. They use modern logistics and management systems to facilitate the process of goods flow. Safety and security of the port facilities and cargo are also maintained by using surveillance systems, access control, and fire safety measures.

Port Facilities

Cikarang Dry port is equipped with comprehensive facilities. It has spacious container yards for stacking and storing containers. There are also warehouses with different storage conditions to accommodate various types of goods, including those that require temperature control. Loading and unloading equipment such as cranes and forklifts are available to handle the cargo efficiently. Additionally, there are facilities for customs clearance and administrative services to facilitate the smooth movement of goods through the port.

Channels and Direct Routes

It is an inland dry port and, thus, does not have the facility of a sea or oceanic water body around it, but it has clearly demarcated channels of transport, like road and rail connectivity. In fact, these act like virtual "channels" and help to connect it with other ports and industrial zones. It has direct routes that link to major manufacturing centers in the region for the speedy transfer of goods. The roads and railways are regularly maintained for a smooth flow of cargo.

2. Why should we measure the ocean currents in the Cikarang Dry port?

Even though the Cikarang Dry port is inland, measurement of ocean currents can have some relevance in certain aspects. To begin with, ocean currents around the nearest coasts that connect to its collaborative ports may have effects on the efficiency of the general supply chain. This could be delays or disruptions in the coastal ports due to strong or unpredictable currents, which would have a rippling effect on timely delivery to and from Cikarang Dry port.

The second one is for environmental monitoring related to the port's activities. Currents in the coastal regions can influence the dispersion of pollutants that might be associated with the transportation and handling of goods. Even though the port itself is inland, its operations have an impact on the wider marine environment through its connection with coastal ports. Knowledge of ocean currents can help in planning better waste management and environmental protection strategies.

Furthermore, on the issues of long-term planning and expansion, knowledge of ocean currents will help in the assessment of any new links or affiliations with coastal ports. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) provides a more advanced and convenient way to measure these currents compared to traditional methods, enabling more accurate data collection for these purposes.

3. How do ADCPs using the Doppler principle work?

ADCPs work on the principle of the Doppler effect. They send acoustic signals into the water. These signals scatter off particles in the water that are moving with the current. Due to the Doppler effect, the frequency of the reflected signal changes as the particles move.

Ship-borne ADCP

This device is installed on a vessel when using the ship-borne ADCP in relation to the coastal areas connected with the Cikarang Dry Port. When the ship navigates through water, the ADCP current meter emits acoustic pulses either in a downwards-looking or a side-looking manner. The signals reflected back from the water column are received and analyzed. The velocity of the water current at different depths is computed from the Doppler shift in these signals. The current structure can thus be profiled as the ship travels through the area.

Fixed ADCP

Fixed ADCPs may be installed on structures like piers or buoys in the coastal areas associated with the port. They continuously emit acoustic signals in a downward - looking direction. The reflected signals are analyzed for the Doppler shift. Fixed ADCPs can provide a long-term record of the current velocity and direction by continuously monitoring the current in a specific location, thus enabling the understanding of the current behavior near the port entrance or other critical areas.

4. What's needed for high-quality measurement of Cikarang Dry port currents?

These must have reliable materials for high - quality current measurement in the context of Cikarang Dry port and its related coastal connections. The equipment shall have a small - size, light-weight design, mainly because some ship - borne ADCPs may be utilized aboard vessels traveling to and from the coasts of interest; this will enable their easy installation and transportation.

For that, low power consumption will become very important, especially since there are fixed ADCPs installed in the coastal monitoring location for continuous operation. Cost - effectiveness provides further advantages by allowing multiple device deployments to enable more complete measurement of current in the concerned areas.

The casing material of choice for ADCPs is a titanium alloy. It is also resistant to corrosion, which is very important in the marine environment of the coastal areas. The saltwater in the nearby seas can cause corrosion to ordinary metals. This can withstand the corrosive effects of seawater, hence ensuring the long-term durability of the equipment. It also has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which helps in reducing the overall weight of the device while maintaining its structural integrity.

5. How to Choose the right equipment for current measurement?

Based on Usage

Ship-borne ADCP: This is suitable for when you want to measure currents during the movement of a vessel. In the context of Cikarang Dry port, it can be used by ships traveling between the coastal ports and the dry port to measure the current along their path, helping in navigation and operational decisions.

Sitting-on-bottom ADCP: Suitable for long-term and fixed-point monitoring of currents near the seabed. In the coastal areas related to the port, it can be used for the current behavior at certain places, such as near the berths or around underwater structures.

Buoy-based ADCP: This can be used when the aim is to monitor currents in a specific area over a long period and there is some flexibility in location. In areas around the ports connected to the Cikarang Dry port, it could be placed in those areas that may not typically be crossed by vessels yet are of relevance for a general view of current patterns.

Based on Frequency

For waters as deep as 70m, an ADCP current profiler with 600kHz frequency normally suffices. In depths of about 110m, 300kHz frequency works better, while for very deep waters up to 1000m, the better option is a 75kHz ADCP.

There are well - known ADCP brands such as Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and Sontek. However, a recommended Chinese brand is China Sonar PandaADCP. It is made of all-titanium alloy material, providing excellent durability. It also offers an incredible cost - performance ratio. You can find more information about this brand on its website: (https://china-sonar.com/).

Here is a table with some well known ADCP instrument brands and models.