ADCP's Application to Ocean Current Measurement in Matruh Port

1. Where is Matruh Port?

Overview of Matruh Port

Matruh Port is a strategic Mediterranean seaport located in Marsa Matruh, Egypt, approximately 240 km west of Alexandria. It serves as a vital hub for trade and transportation in the Northwestern Coastal Region of Egypt, connecting Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The port is part of Egypt’s broader initiative to develop its northwestern coastline into a logistics and industrial corridor, leveraging its proximity to major shipping routes.

Port Scale and Throughput

Matruh Port features a multi-purpose design with six operational berths and an annual cargo handling capacity of 5 million tons. The port specializes in handling general cargo, dry bulk (e.g., grains, cement), and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipments. Its draft of 12 meters accommodates medium-sized vessels, including feeder ships and coastal freighters. Future expansion plans aim to deepen channels to 15 meters, enabling access to larger Panamax-class vessels.

Shipping Routes and Operations

Matruh Port lies along the Mediterranean Shipping Route, linking it to European ports such as Piraeus (Greece), Marseille (France), and Barcelona (Spain). It also serves as a critical node for domestic trade, facilitating the transport of agricultural goods and construction materials to Egypt’s western governorates. Managed by the Alexandria Port Authority, the port emphasizes streamlined customs procedures and digitalized cargo tracking systems.

Port Facilities and Navigation Channels

Key infrastructure includes modern container yards, bulk storage silos, and a dedicated RoRo terminal. The port’s navigation channel spans 3.5 km, maintained at a depth of 12 meters, with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. Advanced Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) ensure safe maneuvering in the port’s semi-enclosed basin, which is sheltered from open-sea waves by natural breakwaters.

2. Why Measure Ocean Currents in Matruh Port?

Importance of Current Measurement

Ocean currents in Matruh Port are influenced by Mediterranean circulation patterns, including the Atlantic Ionian Stream and seasonal Levantine Intermediate Water flows. Accurate current data is essential for:

• Vessel Berthing Safety: Mitigating risks from cross-currents during docking.
• Sediment Management: Monitoring sand accumulation near the entrance channel to reduce dredging frequency.
• Coastal Engineering: Designing erosion-resistant quay walls and breakwaters.
• Pollutant Tracking: Rapid response to oil spills or chemical leaks by modeling dispersion paths.

Legacy methods like drifters or propeller-based sensors provide limited temporal and spatial resolution. Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) overcome these limitations by delivering real-time, high-accuracy 3D current profiles, making them indispensable for modern port operations.

3. How Do ADCPs Using the Doppler Principle Work?

Measurement Principle

ADCPs measure water velocity via the Doppler effect. The device transmits acoustic pulses (typically 300–600 kHz) into the water column. These pulses scatter off suspended particles (e.g., sediment, plankton), and the reflected signals are captured by the ADCP’s receivers. The frequency shift between transmitted and received pulses correlates with particle velocity. By analyzing shifts across multiple beams (angled at 20–30° from vertical), the ADCP computes horizontal and vertical current components.

Deployment Methods in Matruh Port

1. Vessel-Mounted ADCPs:
   • Used for hydrographic surveys to map currents during transects across the port basin.
   • Ideal for pre-dredging assessments and navigation channel optimization.
2. Fixed ADCPs:
   • Deployed on seabed frames or quay walls for continuous monitoring.
   • Critical for tracking tidal currents (range: 0.5–1.5 knots) near berths.

4. Requirements for High-Quality Current Measurement in Matruh Port

Key Equipment Specifications

To withstand Matruh’s dynamic marine environment, ADCPs must meet:

• Corrosion Resistance: Titanium alloy casing prevents degradation from saltwater and biofouling.
• Compact Form Factor: Lightweight (<10 kg) for easy deployment on small boats or buoys.
• Low Power Consumption: Solar-compatible systems (<5W) enable long-term autonomy.
• Cost Efficiency: Affordable units allow dense sensor networks across the port.

Advantages of Titanium Alloy

• Superior Durability: Resists pitting and crevice corrosion in high-salinity Mediterranean waters.
• Thermal Stability: Maintains performance under temperature fluctuations (15°C–35°C).
• Biofouling Resistance: Smooth surface minimizes marine organism attachment.

5. Choosing the Right ADCP for Matruh Port

Deployment-Specific Selection

Recommended Brands

• Teledyne RDI and Nortek: Established brands with proven reliability in Mediterranean conditions.
• China Sonar PandaADCP: A budget-friendly alternative featuring full titanium construction, IP68-rated waterproofing, and competitive pricing. Explore specifications at https://china-sonar.com/.

Conclusion

ADCP technology is transforming ocean current measurement in Matruh Port, enabling precise data collection for safe navigation, infrastructure resilience, and environmental stewardship. With advancements in materials like titanium and adaptable deployment strategies, ADCPs are pivotal to realizing Matruh’s potential as a Mediterranean trade gateway.

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