PROTIDE
Probabilistic Tidal Window Determination

PROTIDE

Created by on 2008-03-06 16:45
Last modified on 2011-12-15 18:03
PROTIDE - PRObabilistic TIdal window DEtermination - is a web-based application used to calculate tidal windows for channel and tidal bound ships. By combining individual ship dimensions and stability details, actual channel layout, up-to-date environmental forecasts and a state-of-the-art ship motion analysis engine, PROTIDE can maximize the accessibility of a harbor while minimizing the probability of channel bottom contact during harbor approach or departure.

Innovative calculation scheme

PROTIDE implements an innovative calculation scheme, in which the probability of channel bottom contact is used as a safety criterion for channel voyages. By joining the expected ship movement data with the computed under keel clearance, the probability of a bottom touch is calculated for a given voyage, which is compared to the desired safety criterion. While the probabilistic calculation optimizes harbor accessibility, other safety criteria can also be used (e.g., a fixed or dynamic under keel clearance margin) to meet regional requirements.

100% Webbased

As a completely web-based application, supported by all major internet browsers, PROTIDE only needs an internet connection to be utilized. No workplace installation or maintenance is needed, which centralizes and simplifies release management and software updates. With hardware set up in an advanced geographical failover scheme at state-of-the-art data centers, application redundancy and availability is guaranteed. Multiple location backup ensures data consistency and protection.

Out-of-the-box or fully customized

The PROTIDE application is designed to realize a quick setup and release when applicable, but it is also highly customizable to meet any specific organizational, functional or technical need.

Up-to-date prediction data

Using an automated prediction data polling mechanism, PROTIDE is always up-to-date with its various prediction data sources for information on water level, water speed, water direction, swell, wave height, et cetera. PROTIDE also offers the possibility to easily edit prediction data manually, as simple as clicking in a graph.

Tidal window calculation

The calculation is based on a simulation of probable circumstances (water level, currents, waves, channel layout), to analyze the under keel clearance and ship movements for all relevant channel points in a 24 hour period (two high tides). Within the resulting safe segment time/location graph, the tidal window is outlined by the first and last possible ship routes through the calculated safe segments..

Insightful reports

Detailed reports are available on the used data, the performed calculation, the given advice and route statistics. With these insightful figures, harbor authorities may approve or decline a specific plan and pilots are offered detailed information on what to expect during the voyage.