ADCP's Application to Ocean Current Measurement in Las Palmas Port

1. Where is Las Palmas Port?

Las Palmas is a city on the Gran Canaria Island, Canary Islands, Spain. The Las Palmas Port is one of the leading Atlantic Ocean harbours and a significant link between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Port Scale and Throughput

The Las Palmas port is a large-scale port with huge traffic. Among all the Canary Island ports, this is one of the busiest and includes almost all varieties of cargo handling, such as containers, bulk cargo like coal and grains, refrigerated goods, and project cargo. This accounts for substantial container traffic each year, being one of the prime trans-shipment centers between most of the continents.

Routes and Business

It has an enormous network of routes linking it with almost all other ports of the world. International trade is considered one of the major businesses in which much export and import concern manufactured goods, agricultural and raw materials products. The port contributes much to cruise activities, as every year many cruise ships come there, helping the local economy because of tourism.

Management and Operation of the Port

The port is managed by a professional team that gives great emphasis on efficiency and sustainable operations: berthing schedules, cargo handling operations, and security. Advanced management systems ensure the optimum flow of ships and cargo in order to achieve short turnaround times with high-quality service. The environmental protection is also considered and the port takes every possible measure to limit pollution and waste.

Facilities of the Port

The port is equipped with state - of - the - art facilities. There are deep - water berths capable of accommodating large container ships and other vessels. It has modern cranes for loading and unloading containers and other heavy cargo, as well as extensive storage areas. These storage areas include temperature - controlled warehouses for perishable goods and open - air storage yards for bulk materials. Additionally, the port offers ship repair and maintenance services.

Channel and Direct Shipping

The channel of this port is dredged to a depth which can allow safe passage of ships. It has direct shipping with major European, African, and American ports. Its direct shipping line enables goods to be transported with less time wastage and at a cheaper cost to the business people depending on this port.

2. Why is it necessary to measure the ocean currents of Las Palmas Port?

The measurement of currents in the ocean is important for the functioning of Las Palmas Port. First, it is necessary to provide current information for the safe navigation of vessels. In the area around the Canary Islands, Atlantic Ocean currents may be complex and variable. Knowledge of the currents helps captains navigate vessels with precision during entry and exit from the port, which plays a very important role in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of vessels and port facilities.

For instance, on the handling of cargo, the ocean currents would interfere with floating equipment that facilitates the processes of loading and unloading; this would inform how such operations would be best organized for the benefit of efficient management and minimum damage to either the goods or the facility.

Thirdly, the measurement of the ocean currents is quite essential in the prediction of sedimentation and providing a depth that corresponds to the functional requirements in channels and berths. This information should be used for the planning of dredging and making the port operational for long term.

It is a more advanced and convenient method for current measurement, called ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler). It can give real-time current information in detail at various depths and this is very helpful for operational decision-making at the port.

3. How does the Doppler Principle work using ADCPs?

The principle behind ADCPs is the Doppler effect. They send acoustic signals into the water. As these signals come in contact with particles or any other substances that are moving with the current of water, the frequency of the reflected signals changes. From this change in frequency, the velocity of the water current can be determined.

ADCP in Port Ocean Current Measurement

Shipborne ADCP

Shipborne ADCPs are installed on ships. As the ship moves in the area of the port, the ADCP current meter sends acoustic pulses downwards and sideways during its travel. These pulses measure the current velocity at varied depths along the path of travel that the ship will take. These data will then be transmitted to the vessel's navigation or monitoring system in real time, hence enabling the crew to make proper changes in course and speed according to the currents.

Fixed ADCP

Fixed ADCPs are placed at fixed locations in the port on the seabed or on the sides of port structure. They will continuously monitor the ocean currents falling within their coverage area. The data from fixed ADCPs gives long-term view of pattern of current, which is useful in the planning and maintenance of ports.

4. What do high-quality measurements of currents in the port of Las Palmas require?

The measuring device for high-quality current measurement at Las Palmas port should be made from reliable materials with resistance against the severe marine environment, including corrosion from seawater and pressure changes. Smaller size, lighter weight, and lower power consumption are desirable. The compact size allows for installation in different locations around the port with ease. The power consumption is low to ensure long-term operation without frequent battery replacements or issues over power supply. Cost-effectiveness also ensures the possibility of large-scale deployment of measurement equipment.

The casing of ADCP flow meter is preferably made of titanium alloy. Titanium alloy features excellent corrosion resistance which is able to withstand seawater for long-term use. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio that allows it to bear high pressure without adding excess weight. Moreover, it is biocompatible since it doesn't harm the marine environment.

5. How to Choose the Right Equipment for Current Measurement?

Usage Purpose

• Shipborne ADCP: serves the purpose of measuring currents when the ship is in motion. When the ship sails in a port for navigating and ensuring operational safety, the device delivers current data in real time.
• Sitting-bottom ADCP: Suitable for long-term, fixed-point monitoring of a certain area in the port. It gives a consistent view of the current situation in that location, which is beneficial for understanding the long-term current patterns and for port infrastructure maintenance.
• Buoy-mounted ADCP: In applications where it may be impracticable or just unrealistic to install fixed equipment on the seabed or vessels, the buoy-mounted ADCP floats on the water surface, and measures currents in its surroundings. This gives great flexibility for measurement location.

Based on Different Frequencies

• For water depths up to 70m, a 600kHz ADCP is good for accurate current measurement in relatively shallow water.
• For depths around 110m, a 300kHz ADCP will be more appropriate, since it can measure the current effectively at that depth.
• For deeper waters up to 1000m, a 75kHz ADCP is recommended for reliable current measurement.
• There are well-known ADCP brands such as Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and Sontek. However, the Chinese brand China Sonar PandaADCP is also a great option. It is made of all-titanium alloy material and offers an excellent cost-performance ratio. You can visit its website (https://china-sonar.com/) for more information.

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