Use of ADCP in the Measurement of Ocean Current in Berwick-upon-Tweed Port

1. Where is Berwick-upon-Tweed Port?

Berwick-upon-Tweed Port lies on Scotland's east coast, bordering England to its south. This all-important position on the North Sea gives it an unusual place in the context of surrounding seafarers. It is a significant fishing and small-scale commercial port. The port is sufficiently connected to the rest of the surrounding region through a web of local roads, which helps goods and supplies flow to and from the port. It has been a trading station for centuries, and its geographical location has established it as an integral part of the regional economy.

Port Size and Throughput

Berwick-upon-Tweed Port is classed as a small-to-medium port. There are several berths in the port to shelter fishing boats, small-scale ships carrying cargo, and some recreation boats. The core of the port is predominantly for the fishing industry, where numerous boats sail in the fishing industry and ship their daily catches in the port. The annual output consists mainly of a variety of seafood like cod, haddock, and various other shellfish. They are distributed to regional Scotland and England markets and some of them even go as far as being exported to other parts of the UK and Europe. Apart from fishing - related enterprises, the port also handles some general cargo, such as construction materials for local development projects and local community goods.

Shipping Routes and Business

Berwick - upon - Tweed Port shipping routes are mostly regional and local. Fishing boats visit the fishing grounds in the North Sea regularly. Small-scale cargo ships ply between Berwick-upon-Tweed and surrounding ports in Scotland and England. From a business perspective, the port is focused on the fishing sector. Fish processing plants are available at the port, where the harvested seafood is sorted, filleted, and ready for market. Storage and distribution services for the cargo handled at the port are also available. The port also receives tourists who visit the coastal region, explore town historical sites, and participate in fishing-related tourism activities.

Port Management and Operation

Managed by the local port authorities, the port emphasizes safety, efficient fishing operations, and conservation of the environment. The management ensures that the port's infrastructure, including berths, jetties, and warehouses, are well maintained. They have clear safety regulations for fishing boats and other ships docking at the port. The authorities also ensure proper environmental conditions are met, mainly in the aspect of waste treatment from fishing activity. They negotiate with local fishers, processors, and others to ensure safe and efficient harbor operations.

Port Facilities

Berwick-upon-Tweed Port has easy but efficient facilities. There are jetties and berths where the boats can be safely docked. There are fish handling facilities, which include sorting tables and live seafood tanks for storage. The port also has a small equipment storage warehouse for fishing and general cargo. There are refueling fuel stations for refilling the fishing boats and other vessels. For tourists, there are few amenities like a small café and viewing point. The port also has a repair harbor where fish boats may be repaired and maintained.

Waterways and Direct Navigation

The waterways around Berwick-upon-Tweed Port are relatively calm and well-defined to the local fishermen. The port boasts a well-marked channel for navigability. There are small markers and simple navigation aids to define safe passage for boats. It has direct access to the North Sea, and fishing boats and light freighters can easily find their way to destinations. The inwards roads from the port and the surrounding inland areas are of vital importance for the transport mechanism of the goods and people connected with the port.

2. Why Measure Ocean Currents in Berwick-upon-Tweed Port?

Navigation Safety

Accurate information on ocean currents in Berwick-upon-Tweed Port is vital for the purposes of navigation safety. The general circulation-wind-and tide-and sea-controlled current regimes in the North Sea can dominate the navigation of fishing boats and other vessels. During the approach or departure of the boats from the port, or while fishing in the North Sea, the ocean currents can change their speed and direction. Based on observing the ocean currents, boat drivers can make logical decisions, alter their route, and avoid collision or loss of life, especially in poor weather.

Optimizing Port Operations

Ocean current data can also be utilized to optimize port operations. For example, when vessels are returning to the harbor with their harvest, data on current direction and strength will allow them to plan the most suitable time and method of docking. This conserves effort and time, as well as reducing vessel damage. Currents also affect the movement of fishing nets and gears during fishing activities. Understanding these variables can improve the efficiency of fishing operations.

Environmental Protection

Measurements of ocean currents are important in environmental protection for the port basin. The North Sea is abundant in a delicate marine ecosystem. Ocean currents assist in dispersing polluting materials, such as oil slicks from vessels or fishery waste. In the event of any accident of pollution, knowledge of dominant patterns can foresee where the contaminants will be dispersed. This facilitates environmental managers to respond in due time to dispose of and protect the marine ecosystem.

The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) can also be a reliable instrument for measurement of ocean current in Berwick-upon-Tweed Port, with detailed data provided to ensure safer passage, enhanced port operation, and environmental protection.

3. ADCP: How Does It Work Based on the Doppler Principle?

Measurement Principle

ADCP profiler operates based on the Doppler effect. As an ADCP transmits an acoustic signal into the water column, the sound waves bounce off suspended particles in the water, e.g., sediment or small organisms. Since these particles flow with the current of water, the rate at which sound waves bounce back to the ADCP is not the same as was emitted. This difference in the frequency is termed the Doppler shift, which is measured by the ADCP. Using the Doppler equation, the tool can measure water current velocity at different depths across the water column.

Detailed Methods of Ocean Current Measurement within the Port

• Ship-borne ADCP: The ship-borne ADCP can be installed on a fishing boat or a mini - research vessel. As the vessel moves through the waters near Berwick-upon-Tweed Port, the ADCP can measure the speed of the current at different depths along the path of the vessel. This helps in gaining an overview of the current situation in the port and the adjacent North Sea areas on a grand scale.
• Fixed ADCP: Fixed ADCPs may be deployed on the seabed close to the port or installed on fixed structures such as jetties. Fixed ADCPs may monitor the current conditions at a specific point continuously over a long time period. They may give information about how the currents vary over time, which may be helpful for long-term planning and comprehension of the local sea environment.

4. What is Needed for High-Quality Ocean Current Measurement in Berwick-upon-Tweed Port?

Equipment Reliability

To measure the ocean currents with precision in Berwick-upon-Tweed Port, the ADCP meter gear should be highly dependable. The North Sea is characterized by varying weather patterns, including strong winds, rough seas, and sudden storms. The ADCP needs to be able to withstand these harsh conditions without frequent breakdowns. Reliable gear ensures uninterrupted data acquisition, which is critical for precise analysis and decision-making.

Weight, Size, and Power Consumption

The ADCP flow meter should be light and compact, especially for installation on a fishing boat where space is limited. Low power consumption is also necessary because most small craft and fishing boats do not have a high power supply. This allows for long - term use of the ADCP, either on batteries or on a small boat generator.

Cost-effectiveness

As Berwick-upon-Tweed Port is a small-scale port, the cost of the ADCP current profiler would be reasonable. A reasonable ADCP enables the port authorities or local fishermen to afford it. If required, multiple units could be purchased to track various zones surrounding the port, providing a better overall view of the ocean currents.

Material Selection

The ADCP current meter casing is best made of corrosion-resistant materials, for instance, stainless steel or a certain alloy. The salty and corrosive environment of the North Sea can easily destroy equipment. The use of corrosion-resistant materials ensures that the ADCP will last for a very long time in the marine environment.

5. How to Choose the Right Equipment for Measuring Ocean Currents?

Choice Based on Use

• Ship-borne ADCP: It is suitable for acquiring a wide - scale observation of the prevailing conditions in the port and the surrounding sea areas. If rapid assessment of the prevailing conditions by a fishing boat or a research vessel while in transit is required, a ship - borne ADCP is suitable.
• Sit-on-bottom ADCP: It's ideal for repeated surveying of a fixed point in the port, e.g., at a port entrance or a popular angling location.
• Buoy-mounted ADCP: It can prove useful in retrieving data at water surface in situations where it is difficult to sit an ADCP on the seabed.

Choice Based on Frequency

• In the comparatively shallow waters off Berwick-upon-Tweed Port (usually less than 50m), an ADCP with a frequency of 600kHz or higher can be more precise. High-frequency ADCPs are better suited for use in shallow waters since they can provide more data on the near-surface currents.
• There are several ADCP brands available in the market. When selecting an ADCP for Berwick-upon-Tweed Port, the needs of the port should be taken into consideration, including the size of the vessels, the operations, and the budget. There are some big brands that offer top-notch products, but the local suppliers can also deliver cheap solutions that are suitable for Berwick-upon-Tweed Port's small-scale businesses. 

There are several well-known ADCP brands on the market, such as Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and Sontek. But if you are seeking a cost-efficient and high-quality product, the Chinese product China Sonar PandaADCP is strongly suggested. It is constructed of all-titanium alloy material, guaranteeing superior durability in the ocean environment, and provides an exceptionally high cost-performance ratio. You can access their website at https://china-sonar.com/ for details.

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