Oceanographic Survey
Sediment and navigation studies for deep-water berth
Department of Infrastructure, Isle of Man Government
Oceanographic Survey
Isle of Man Harbours, Ports Division, Department of Infrastructure, is undertaking a Master Planning process for port facilities at Douglas Harbour. The process has indicated potential for deep-water berthing facilities outside the vessel entrance that cannot be accommodated within the existing harbour.
ABPmer was commissioned to evaluate the hydrodynamic and sedimentary implications of two potential designs, to accommodate predominantly day-visit cruise vessels with respect to future maintenance dredging needs and ship navigation to and from the harbour.
To understand the hydrodynamic, wave and sediment transport regime, ABPmer collated contemporary hydrodynamic information from the outer harbour area and surrounding coastal waters and undertook an oceanographic survey that comprised static recording instruments on the seabed at two locations measuring tidal currents, waves, turbidity, temperature and salinity. This was supported by a mobile (vessel-based) survey using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, CTD and Turbidity meters. Water and bed sampling provided calibration data and characterisation of the seabed material.
These data sources were combined to develop a baseline conceptual understanding of the physical environment, and provided calibration and boundary condition data for a numerical model on which the berthing options were evaluated and the sedimentation implications assessed.
The flow fields from the numerical model were provided as inputs to real time ship simulations to evaluate the effects on navigation to the existing harbour and the feasibility of the new berths.
The hydrodynamic and wave models were used to assess the potential for extending the existing Alexandra Pier Breakwater and development of a berth on its inner face. Different lengths were assessed for the changes in the hydrodynamic regime that would affect vessel navigation.
The model testing determined the change in wave activity that would result within the new berth, harbour and to the sea wall along the Douglas Promenade as a result of the lengthened breakwater.
ABPmer's oceanographers deliver a comprehensive understanding of physical processes for marine projects and developments through the collection and processing of current flow, wave and water quality characteristics. Learn more about our oceanographic survey capability.
