ADCP Application to Ocean Current Measurement in Rotterdam Port

1. Where is Rotterdam Port?

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Netherlands. Rotterdam Port is the largest port in Europe and one of the busiest globally.

• Port Scale and Throughput: The quay length is more than 40 kilometers. This amounts to an enormous yearly throughput with highly diversified cargo handling, such as containers, crude oil, chemicals, and bulk goods. For example, it handles several millions of TEUs annually in container traffic. Due to the strategic location at the mouth of the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta, Rotterdam has easy access to the hinterland of Europe and, therefore, plays a significant role in serving as a primary gateway to and from international trade.
• Routes and Business: It is associated with nearly all varieties of shipment routes around the world. The port is an established key factor in the Atlantic and intra-European trade hub. This does not limit itself to just the business of loading and unloading of goods but also offers ancillary services such as warehousing, distribution, and logistics services.
• Port Management and Operation: The port is managed by both public and private entities. The Rotterdam Port Authority is responsible for the infrastructure and overall development of the port. It invests in port facilities and sustainable development initiatives. The operation involves a complex web of stevedoring companies, shipping lines, and other service providers working in harmony to ensure the smooth flow of goods.
• Port Facilities: The Port of Rotterdam is well endowed. At the container terminals, there exist modern, high-speed cranes that can load vessels at incredibly high speeds. In addition to these, the port has specific terminals for liquid and dry bulk cargo. There are massive storage facilities; there are both covered and open-air storage spaces for different categories of goods.
• Channels and Direct Navigation: The port has well-maintained channels deep enough to accommodate the biggest container ships and tankers. Continuous dredging of the channels to maintain the depth as so required is always carried out. Direct navigation connections to other major ports and inland waterways provide efficient transportation to and from Rotterdam.

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

Measurement of ocean currents in Rotterdam Port is of prime importance for a number of reasons. First of all, knowledge of the current pattern helps in accurate positioning and maneuvering of ships for the safety of navigation. Currents can drastically affect a ship's course and speed. For instance, strong cross-currents near the entrance of the port make the entry or exit of large vessels unsafe.

Understanding the current flow is important, especially for port operations and berthing. Currents may affect bringing ships to shore. If their speed and direction are not accurately considered during docking, it could cause collisions between vessels and the quay or with other vessels.

From a logistical and efficiency point of view, current data helps optimize scheduling vessel arrivals and departures. It also concerns the transportation of goods within the port area, like the movement of barges and tugboats. ADCP current meter offers a more advanced and convenient way of measuring these currents compared to traditional methods. It can provide real - time data for more accurate decision-making during port operations.

3. How do ADCPs using the Doppler principle work?

ADCPs work by using the Doppler principle. They shoot acoustic pulses through the water column. As those pulses encounter particles or organisms in the water moving with the current, the frequency of the reflected sound waves changes, a change from which the current velocity can be measured.

• Ship-borne ADCP: Typically, a ship-borne ADCP is installed on the hull of a vessel. While the ship is in motion, the ADCP current profiler continuously measures current velocity relative to the movement of the ship. This processed data delivers the absolute current velocity in that area.
• Fixed ADCP: Fixed ADCPs are installed at fixed locations in the port, such as on the seabed or on a pier. These ADCPs provide continuous measurements of the current at a particular point. They are useful for monitoring the long - term current patterns in the port area.

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

The measuring equipment to be used in the high-quality current measurement in Rotterdam Port should possess a number of characteristics. First, the material of the equipment should be reliable. A smaller size and lighter weight are preferable for easy installation and handling. Low power consumption is also important, especially for long-term deployment. Cost-effectiveness is another factor, as it allows for more widespread use of the equipment for comprehensive current measurement.

The casing of ADCP flow meter is preferably made from titanium alloy. The usage of a titanium alloy will be very vital since it contains excellent corrosion resistance, especially within the marine environment of Rotterdam Port. Seawater and other corrosive elements within the port can easily destroy equipment made from less resistant materials. It is strong enough and durable to bear the pressure and other mechanical stresses in the water.

5. How to select appropriate equipment to measure the currents?

Selection will be done Based on Use

Type of Installation

• Ship-borne ADCP: In case, any vessel is necessarily required to measure current at its transit both in and around the port area. Current information is possible on a mobile way.
• Bottom-mounted (Sitting-bottom) ADCP: It is ideal for fixed-point monitoring of the current at a certain place, such as at the entrance of a channel or near a berth.
• Buoy-type ADCP: This is used when a floating platform is more appropriate. These can be in areas with less-defined boundaries or open water areas inside the port.

Based on Frequency

• Water depths of up to 70m normally allow the use of a 600kHz ADCP.
• 300kHz ADCP is the best suited for depths of about 110m.
• 75kHz ADCP is best for deeper waters, up to 1000m.

There are several well-known ADCP brands such as Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and Sontek. However, a Chinese brand, China Sonar PandaADCP, is also worth considering. It is made of all-titanium alloy material, offering excellent durability and corrosion resistance. It also provides an incredible cost-performance ratio. You can find more information about it on their website: (https://china-sonar.com/).

Here is a table with some well known Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler(ADCP) instrument brands and models.