Metocean Monitoring Equipment near Lelu Island

Pacific NorthWest LNG has recently added an Automatic Information System (AIS) transmitter to its Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) buoy, which has been positioned in Prince Rupert Harbour since January 2014.

The buoy, located on Agnew Bank, is now capable of sharing its data with any vessels equipped with an Automatic Information System (AIS) receiver or through the AIS mobile app. The buoy, manufactured by AXYS Technologies Inc. based in Sidney, BC, is collecting a wide variety of meteorological data. This data includes; wind speed and direction, air temperature and air pressure, as well as oceanographic measurements including but not limited to, water level (tide), surface current speed and direction, and water temperature.

“This data is helping Pacific NorthWest LNG learn more about the complex marine and weather environment on the north coast. We are making use of the information to assist in the design of our marine terminal and to determine operating procedures for LNG carriers that would be calling on the facility. It only makes sense to share this information with the wider marine community,” said Captain David Kyle, Head of Marine Services, with Pacific NorthWest LNG.

“AXYS is pleased to be working with Pacific NorthWest LNG by providing the ODAS buoy used to collect real-time metocean data,” said Chad MacIsaac, International Accounts Manager. “We hope to collaborate in the future to expand the understanding and knowledge of the environment on the north coast.”

In addition to contributing to Pacific NorthWest LNG’s understanding of local weather, tides and currents, the data captured with the buoy is being shared with all mariners and the Prince Rupert Port Authority as a project contribution to enhance marine safety.