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What Makes an Optimized Weather Routing System? Three Factors for Success
Article by “MeteoGroup”
Discover the three factors that are essential for an optimized weather routing system.
What makes an optimized weather routing system? Surely the answer is simply accurate weather routing? Not quite! While weather routing itself is an essential part of the puzzle, it‘s not the only piece.
So this begs the question, what else do you need for weather routing success. The answer comes down to two additional factors: a weather-optimized route network and expert insights from master mariners. By combining the experience of Master Mariners and the advantages of the weather-optimized route network with weather routing, it’s possible to offer a genuinely optimized service.
But what are these three factors? And how do they help modern shipping companies access -a real strategy for success?
#1 Weather Routing
Today, weather routing is not only crucial for avoiding adverse weather conditions but also to ensure each ship runs at peak performance. From pre-voyage planning to compliance and beyond, weather routing supports sustainable, cost-effective shipping.
Optimum weather routing is the art and science of developing the “best route” for a ship based on the current weather forecasts, ship characteristics, and cargo requirements. For most voyages, this will mean the minimum transit time, and so the least cost, while avoiding significant risks to the vessel, crew, and cargo.
#2 Master Mariners
In weather routing, accurate weather data is only part of the puzzle. You also need to know what to do with the information. This is where Master Mariners, who have navigational knowledge and are familiar with the characteristics of vessels in various wind and sea conditions, can add real value. Their knowledge and skills enable the shipping team to deliver premium route advice.
They are aware of the navigational features, including the obstacles, sea currents, and waters affected by pirates. Plus, they understand the processes onboard the bridge. So, for example, they know when it is feasible and practical to issue new routes or speed.
#3 Weather-Optimized Route Network
Shipping companies can reduce time on voyage planning and improve the quality of the route, with the weather optimized route network. It’s an ECDIS route network that plans port-to-port routes, including navigational constraints and port approaches.
The Weather-Optimized Route Network optimizes passage planning, reducing time on voyage planning, and improving the quality of the route. The incredible value of this “Weather-Optimized Route Network” comes from opening the larger navigable waters for routing. Similar to your car, where your GPS navigation routes you around a vehicle accident by recommending an alternate side road, the Route Network enables the Routing Algorithm to route a ship around significant weather safely.
Want to find out more? Download the Three Essential Factors for Weather Routing Success whitepaper
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