What Goes on Behind the Scenes in a Weathernews Operations Center?
Join us for an in-depth look into a Weathernews Inc. operations center to see how our experts help keep ships on the safest and most efficient routes.
Addressing Increased Weather-Related Disasters and Enhanced Risk Management
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate, and Water Extremes (1979-2019) offers a thorough overview of global disasters based on data from the EM-DAT Emergency Events Database. Although the frequency of weather-, climate-, and water-related disasters increased fivefold over this 50-year span, fatalities have decreased threefold—a positive trend largely due to more effective risk management and improved early warning systems, which rely heavily on accurate weather and climate data.
These disaster risk-reduction strategies also shaped the theme for World Meteorological Day 2022 on March 23, emphasizing that weather and water extremes are becoming more common and severe due to climate change. These hazards are exacerbated by rapid population growth, urbanization, and environmental degradation, highlighting the critical role of hydrometeorological and climate data services in early warning and proactive measures.
Mariners: Frontline Witnesses to Weather Extremes
Seafarers, navigating the world's oceans and transporting global trade goods, are among those most exposed to severe weather phenomena. Vessel owners and operators face commercial pressures to deliver cargo swiftly and efficiently, minimizing fuel consumption. For optimal results and to protect lives, property, and the environment, they require sophisticated advice beyond traditional navigation knowledge—this is where Weathernews Inc. excels, offering real-time, data-driven decision-making support.
Global Knowledge Hubs Deliver Unmatched Value
Weathernews employs 800 weather professionals, including 400 certified meteorologists, stationed in 40 cities across 15 countries. Our five operations centers in Tokyo, Oklahoma, Copenhagen, Athens, and Manila provide 24/7 support for maritime clients worldwide. These centers' primary function is delivering Optimum Ship Routeing services for individual vessels and entire fleets, utilizing unrivaled satellite weather and sea-state data (waves and currents). This guidance balances time, cost, fuel efficiency, and performance, helping shore-side operators and captains make informed decisions to reach ports on time with minimal fuel consumption.
Harnessing the Power of Machine Learning
Our clients benefit from advanced voyage planning and round-the-clock support at sea and in port. We partner with them to enhance profitability while striving to reduce emissions. Precise forecasting allows for route adjustments during voyages to avoid hazardous weather and sea conditions. Our Performance Monitoring Services use AI for predictive forecasting, pushing data accuracy to new heights. Weathernews leads in this area but emphasizes the importance of human oversight to manage AI variables and ensure safety.
Inside the Operations Center
Let’s explore the operations at our largest European center in Athens. “Our Athens operation employs 12 people, soon to be 14, focusing on Voyage Planning and Performance Auditing. We support around 2754 vessels on major trade routes, coordinating with centers in Copenhagen, Oklahoma, and Tokyo,” says Performance Analyst, Anna Bazou.
Voyage Planning and Real-Time Support
When a ship owner requests weather routing for a voyage from Houston to Rotterdam, our Communication Setup Team ensures all necessary information is gathered, contacting the Operator and/or Master if needed. Once we have everything, our Voyage Planning Team determines the most optimal route considering the vessel's type, rotation, and priority (on-time arrival, fuel efficiency, etc.), always prioritizing Mariners’ Safety.
Our team uses High-Resolution Marine Weather Analysis/Forecast Systems (HR-MWAF) with the world’s best 0.125 degrees (8NM) resolution wave model, providing extended 16-day forecasts with enhanced accuracy. The Mercator model offers superior time/spatial resolution and analysis accuracy, equipping our planners with top-tier tools for the best weather forecasts and route optimization.
Dynamic Route Adjustments and Continuous Monitoring
If the chosen route encounters adverse weather, our ops center reacts swiftly. Weathernews centers in Tokyo, Athens/Copenhagen, and Oklahoma provide seamless 24/7 support, with 400 certified meteorologists analyzing routes continuously. Under normal conditions, routes are reviewed every 3-5 days, but daily reviews occur in challenging weather.
Our Probabilistic Forecasting transforms weather uncertainty into ensemble forecasts using multiple simulations with varied initial conditions and parameters. Suggested routes are dynamic, adapting to ensure optimal safety and efficiency. Depending on the client’s service specifications, we may contact the Master directly or coordinate with the Operator to confirm route adjustments, reducing risks like container loss or heavy weather exposure.
Balancing AI and Human Expertise
Weathernews believes in the synergy of artificial intelligence and human expertise, enhancing our services beyond what AI alone can offer. Our experienced meteorologists provide the most accurate forecasts, supporting clients’ decision-making processes while acknowledging weather uncertainties.
