The Port Authority of New South Wales (NSW) is introducing a new Under Keel Clearance system for vessels in its ports.
Operatives entering the harbours at Newcastle, Port Kembla, and Port Botany will benefit from real-time data which takes into account the height of tide, speed of ship, and manoeuvrability, amongst other variables.
The partnership with OMC International, which will see company’s Dynamic Under Keel Clearance System (DUKC) deployed, will give port pilots oversight of some 4,500 deep sea vessels in three of the state’s ports.
Port Authority of NSW’s Sydney and Botany Harbour Master, Myron Fernandes, commented, “Ports provide the life support for our economy with 99% of our exports and imports arriving by sea and over AU$100 billion ($73.6 billion) worth of trade passing through NSW ports each year – so every improvement we deliver has a positive impact for the State’s economy, and ultimately on all NSW residents in some way.
“When you consider the size of these vessels and that, like an iceberg, there is an enormous dimension laying under the water, it is essential Marine Pilots have access to the best technology and a comprehensive range of specific information and data.”
Fernandes added that the new contract with OMC centralises and upgrades the DUKC systems for Port Authority of NSW providing clearance calculations, system implementation, ongoing maintenance and support, quality assurances and data management processes for all large commercial vessels at Newcastle, Port Kembla and Port Botany.
