ADCP's Application to Ocean Current Measurement in the Port of Castletown Berehaven

1. Where is the Port of Castletown Berehaven?

The Port of Castletown Berehaven is situated on the south - west coast of Ireland. It is a strategic and well - sheltered port with a long maritime history.

Port Scale and Throughput 

The port has a big scale and throughput. It is a key player in the handling of various types of cargo, including fishing catches, agricultural products, and general merchandise. The fishing industry contributes a lot to the operations of this port, with many fishing vessels operating from this port. The port is also an important link for the import and export of goods within the region, while providing access to local companies trading with other Irish and international ports.

Routes and Business 

Castletown Berehaven is a well-connected port through shipping routes. Shipping connections exist between the port and other Irish ports, with some international trade. The types of business transactions are varied. Fishing forms a significant core in this area. Activities related to this involve the landing, processing, and distribution of fish. It also handles agricultural produce and other goods in transit. A considerable volume of trade in fishing equipment and accessories is also common.

Port Management and Operation

The management is concerned with efficient and safe operation. Berthing of vessels is highly managed with concerns for smooth docking and undocking. Strict safety and security measures protect not only the port infrastructures and the vessels but also the cargo on them. Staff at the port ensure a flow in the operations, starting with the arrival and ending with the departure of any ship.

Port Facilities

Different facilities are provided within the port. It contains several berths, which can accommodate vessels of various sizes, starting from small fishing boats up to medium-sized cargo ships. It has vast areas for storage, comprising both warehouses and open-air yards for various kinds of cargo. Advanced facilities of cargo handling, like cranes, forklifts, and conveyor belts, are in use for loading and unloading goods. Facilities for the fishing fleet, including fish - handling and cold - storage areas also exist.

Channel and Direct Shipping

he channel of this port is kept accordingly for the safe passage of vessels. There are dredging operations periodically in order to retain the required depth of the shallow port. It has direct shipping contacts, facilitating speedy transportation with minimal loss of time. This connection becomes of great significance when one refers to supply chains for the ports as well as trading that might happen locally.

2. Why measure ocean currents at the Port of Castletown Berehaven?

The measurement of ocean currents is very important in the Port of Castletown Berehaven. This is first and foremost important for vessel navigation safety, which requires precise current data. The location of the port and the different types of vessels that frequent it make knowledge of current patterns very important for ships to enter and leave the port safely. Currents can affect the handling of a ship, especially in the narrow channels and near the berths. The precise measurement of currents allows the port to give better navigational guidance to ships, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

Another important purpose that current measurements serve is that of assisting in efficient port operations. Currents can, for instance, affect the speed and accuracy with which cargo is handled on or off a ship. In this respect, the current might determine the positioning of a vessel during loading or unloading. If the port has good current data, it will be able to schedule such operations optimally and utilize its berthing facilities more effectively.

Finally, from an environmental perspective, the study of ocean currents is essential for managing any potential pollution incident. Currents can determine the spread of pollutants such as oil spills or other harmful substances. By measuring the currents, the port can take proactive measures to minimize the environmental impact and protect the marine ecosystem in and around the port. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler(ADCP) provides a more advanced and convenient method of current measurement compared to traditional techniques.

3. How do ADCPs based on the Doppler Principle Work?

The ADCPs work on the principle of the Doppler effect. They emit acoustic signals into the water. These signals scatter off moving particles in the water, such as suspended sediments or small organisms. As the acoustic signals get reflected back to the ADCP, there is a frequency shift because of the Doppler effect. The frequency shift is measured by the ADCP and computes the velocity of the water particles, which gives the velocity of the ocean current.

Ship-borne ADCPs are mounted on vessels. During the movement of the ship through the port area and adjacent waters, the ADCP sends acoustic pulses in various directions, normally downwards and sideways. The device measures the current velocity at multiple depths while the ship is in motion. This creates a detailed profile of the current conditions along the path of the ship, therefore providing full insight into the current patterns in areas covered by the ship.

Fixed ADCPs are the ones installed at specific points within the port, including on the seabed and against quay walls. These continuously measure the current at a single point over long periods. Such measurement, collected over time, provides long-term current characteristics in certain areas of the port critical for entrance channel or near berths.

4. What is required for high-quality measurement of Castletown Berehaven port currents?

Apparatus for high-quality measurement of ocean currents in the Port of Castletown Berehaven should be made of reliable materials. As seawater is corrosive and the device might be exposed to physical damage from the marine environment, the device should be resistant to it. Small size, lightweight, and low power consumption are also desirable. A compact and lightweight ADCP is easier to install and operate, whether installed on a ship or in a fixed location. Low power consumption allows for continuous operation without the need for frequent battery replacements or high energy demands. Cost-effectiveness is another important factor that will enable wide-scale deployment in the port.

The ADCP casing is preferably made of a titanium alloy. Titanium alloy is very resistant to corrosion in seawater, thus offering the possibility of long-term integrity. The strength-to-weight ratio is very high, which means one can achieve strength and durability while still keeping the weight of the ADCP relatively low. Moreover, titanium alloy is biocompatible, minimizing adverse impacts on the marine environment.

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

The choice of the right equipment for current measurement at the Port of Castletown Berehaven depends on requirements.

Ship - borne ADCP This is suitable when a broad overview of the current conditions in different parts of the port is needed. As the ship sails around the port, the ship - borne ADCP can collect data from various locations, providing a wide - range view of the current patterns in the port waters.

Bottom - mounted (Sitting on the seabed) ADCP This type of ADCP is ideal for long - term and fixed - point monitoring. It can be installed at strategic points in the port, such as at the entrance of the channel or near the berths, to continuously monitor the current conditions in those specific areas.

Buoy - mounted ADCP Buoy-mounted ADCPs have their applications in situations when the installation of a fixed device either on the bottom or on a vessel is impracticable. They are deployed in open water areas inside the port and provide the measurement of currents at different depths.

As for the frequency selection, different frequencies suit different water depths. A 600 kHz ADCP is appropriate for water depths up to 70 meters, a 300 kHz ADCP for depths up to 110 meters, and a 75 kHz ADCP for much deeper waters up to 1000 meters.

There are well - known ADCP brands like Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and Sontek. However, there is also a Chinese ADCP brand, China Sonar PandaADCP. It is made of all - titanium alloy material, which ensures its durability in the marine environment and offers an excellent cost - performance ratio. You can find more information on its website: (https://china-sonar.com/).

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